The Prisoner - Original Theme Tune by Ron Grainer

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15 жыл бұрын

This is Ron Grainer's original theme tune for The Prisoner, entitled "The Age of Elegance". Patrick McGoohan requested that he record a more uptempo version (the one used in the series). I have dubbed this original version onto the standard opening titles and the results are rather interesting!

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@Skidoo22 15 жыл бұрын

It's amazing how music can change the whole atmosphere of a piece of televsion.

@Blackwolff9 15 жыл бұрын

I love the renaissance style version of the theme! One can easily imagine a Tudor-style quartet rocking a courtly version of this like it's 1485.:D

@Oecobius33 12 жыл бұрын

I love the dreamy feel to this instrumentation. Such wonderful atmosphere!

@doobrah 15 жыл бұрын

Wow, that's really interesting. Glad they went with the punchier version for the main titles. Check out the "Man in a Suitcase" theme -- it has some similar sequences to Prisoner theme.

@roslyndecanio81 3 жыл бұрын

Patrick's suggestion was EXCELLENT, the end result is superb!

@hablerz 14 жыл бұрын

RIP Paddy McGoohan, one of the best.

@blancsteve4819 6 жыл бұрын

"questions are a burden to others - answers prison for oneself".

@Kame411 14 жыл бұрын

Wow, this is still a lovely theme to hear. Of the two, I think I like this one better in and of itself. As far as what suits the pacing/action of the introduction, the revision is far better. Great to finally hear this first version of the Grainer tune. Wonderful job of mixing it with the opening credits.

@SteinerneReiter 12 жыл бұрын

Any music for the Family in Omega Man sounds will sound like this, the same 3-note tune like at the beginning of this music. It's amazing how close these two separate musical creations are in sound and style.

@LordZontar 7 жыл бұрын

The final uptempo version used for the series reflects the character's anger. This version, the Age of Elegance, reflects his pain.

@davidcritchley3509 Жыл бұрын

Or his sleep. Enough to turn off most viewers immediately. The pounding drum also makes it feel like a funeral march..

@LordZontar Жыл бұрын

@@davidcritchley3509 Funny you should say the drumbeat gives the sense of a funeral march. McGoohan named his production company for the series Everyman Productions off the title for a Catholic morality play written in 1485, on which the story pattern for The Prisoner is based. In the play Everyman, the main character is taken unawares by Death to the Underworld, where he must undergo suffering in order to find repentance and eventual escape.

@altfactor 15 жыл бұрын

This slower-tempo version probably could have been excellent incidental music in various episodes.

@nickhirst999 15 жыл бұрын

Thank you. What I found interesting is how this version of the music is in a completely different tempo from the version used, yet fits as well if not better. It is clear that the visuals weren't altered much. Patrick McGoohan said over a decade later, that he found the accepted version of the music too strident! He must have been an awkward customer for Ron Grainer. Personally, I prefer this version.

@davidcritchley3509 4 жыл бұрын

Dull. Anyone for ice creams?

@katherinelawrence3032 8 жыл бұрын

This music is compelling. A bit like "The Omega Man" music, but I REALLY think it works. It much more 21st century then when series came out. The more derge-like pace makes #6's predicament seem even darker.

@davidcritchley3509 Жыл бұрын

Think of the poor audience who have no interest in a song like that of a slow dirge

@griersson 15 жыл бұрын

WELL DONE! I tried this trick of synchronising the old theme (off a flexi-disc of the music) with a VHS copy of the title sequence. I managed it, just! And used a basic mixer to achieve it in 1996! I was asked if I could bring along to one of the Prisoner Portmeiricon's at about that time, but sadly didn't. EXCELLENT JOB NICKHURST! Always prefered this to the aired version of the titles and always will.

@nickhirst999 15 жыл бұрын

I didn't! I just knew exactly where to find it on the DVD collection and I liked your comment. I've never driven a Lotus 7. Maybe one day?! For now I have to make do with driving my Mazda Demio into Sainsbury's car park whilst humming the Prisoner Theme! (The car park is underground and looks similar and I have to go through the barrier and get my ticket. There the similarity ends!)

@nickhirst999 14 жыл бұрын

Well that's an interesting point LZ. I'd not heard about the Rachmaninov inspiration before, though it would make sense. I can't immediately lay my hands on the CD from which this soundtrack is taken, but I do know that it was from the Silva CD which I bought in 1993. On it, it "apologises" for the substandard sound quality of "The Age Of Elegance" but points out that it was included for "historical purposes" and that this is the only copy there is! What a shame! I love it! l

@nickhirst999 14 жыл бұрын

Well, I can only say that I'd heard about Patrick Mcgoohan whistling it, Stevie. Always sounded a bit unlikely but then again, I'd not heard that Ron Grainer already had the piece, so........ ......not much help there, I'm afraid! Seriously though, this version seems to me to be the one Grainer originally composed as it fits the titles better than the end version. Now that both are gone, we may never know but we can still care. Number 2: Why do you care? Number 6: You will never know!

@LordZontar Жыл бұрын

It is likely that McGoohan heard the original composition, initially rejected it but couldn't quite shake the feeling that there was something in it, and kept turning it over in his mind before prevailing upon Grainer to compose a more up-tempo, energetic arrangement. McGoohan whistling the tune on set likely was part of that mental process. The only main title theme McGoohan just outright rejected was the first one composed by Robert Farnon. It sounded like every other spy adventure/detective show theme track and McGoohan hated it immediately. He rejected Wilfred Joseph's theme but thought well enough of his ideas to have him compose some incidental music based on that theme that ended up being used in the series. You hear that music in the episodes "Arrival", "The Chimes Of Big Ben" and "Checkmate".

@TheTurnipKing 15 жыл бұрын

I think the ideal version is something inbetween the two. The timing in this version is, as you note, far better, And there are scenes that definatly work better in this too, but overall, it's... just not forceful enough. I don't think this version would have been quite as iconic.

@nickhirst999 15 жыл бұрын

Thanks! Yes I did try it with both the extended intro from Arrival and Fallout but interestingly, it didn't fit with either!

@nickhirst999 11 жыл бұрын

Though every time I watch the series from beginning to end I'm hit by this tremendous sense of loss...particularly with September Ballad and it is now September! I was born 10:10pm 19th March 1969! I have nothing further to say...for the moment! Well my Dad was a fan of The Prisoner and he was born in 1928 like Patrick McGoohan. Gotta go and attend his grave now as it was 64 years ago today that he married my mum! She's 88. Can't keep the lady waiting!

@ronnola 7 жыл бұрын

Fascinating! Thanks for putting it together.

@leobluesy 10 жыл бұрын

Although less drive... this really has something darker..... love em both :*)

@ThePerradox 10 жыл бұрын

I'm going to want this played on my final trip to the great village...somewhere else.

@ThePerradox 6 жыл бұрын

Hello past-me, how have you been?

@teknogeek1300 5 жыл бұрын

@@ThePerradox Hahahahaha

@CommuneRecords 2 жыл бұрын

Use of harpsichord when he wakes up suggests that maybe #6 initially was intended to be a continuation of the John Drake character (or at least Ron Grainer thought so). It could be coincidence too, but in Danger Man, the harpsichord is very much associated with Drake.

@nickhirst999 15 жыл бұрын

Thanks, Griersson. This was something I'd been meaning to try for about 15 years! To be honest, it took me so long 'cos I just thought that as it is such a slower tempo than the standard music it wouldn't fit. I just plugged the audio outs from my CD player into the audio ins on my DVD recorder and played the two together, hence you can see the pause (ll) icon every so often. Not very hi-tech but it worked!

@Oldbmwr100rs 10 жыл бұрын

Very interesting original theme, I would really like to have heard a really clean and well mixed recording of it as what's here is a bit too distorted it seems. But I really like the whole sound of this, it works well even in the credits for the show. But the final version was perfect for the program though.

@alexfh357 8 жыл бұрын

+Oldbmwr100rs Apparently this is the best available copy of this demo as the original tape degraded. It's the same recording used when SilvaScreen released the Prisoner soundtrack CDs back in the 1990s. Maybe someday someone will be able to work magic to clean this up but for now it's the only version of this rarity available. It has its charms but the final version was superior.

@Oldbmwr100rs 8 жыл бұрын

Alex Fh Yeah, to consider this was probably the only surviving copy of the music, especially if it were on tape from the period, it's amazing it not only survived, but that someone was able to recover it from the archives to let anyone hear it.

@nickhirst999 8 жыл бұрын

+Alex Fh Hi Alex FH and Oldbmwr100rs, There IS a cleaner version of this which surfaced more recently. I've got it somewhere! Somewhere!! I'll try hard to find it and you're both WELL COME to a copy!

@nickhirst999 8 жыл бұрын

+Oldbmwr100rs Hi Oldbmwr100rs and Alex Fh, There is a cleaner and more recent discovery of this which I have somewhere. I'll try and find it and you're most WELL COME to a copy!

@nickhirst999 8 жыл бұрын

+Alex Fh I've found it. You need to add: @hotmail.com to my username to make a private request and I'll send it to you. We're all in the village. Some of us CAN be trusted! NH

@PoloniusBent 15 жыл бұрын

Quite dark and unsettling, this version. I really like it, although there's still something to be said for the frenetic version used in the series. 5 stars!

@Frankymole 11 жыл бұрын

Both parts (1'51" and 1'19" respectively) of The Age of Elegance are on the full soundtrack 3-disk set from Network which contains every version and music cue for the series' bespoke music, from the master tapes.

@CarlyWaarly 8 жыл бұрын

Thanks for sharing! I can see why Patrick would haver requested an up beat version.

@nickhirst999 11 жыл бұрын

Absolutely....I couldn't agree more! What Patrick McGoohan did was get this work of art out of his head and onto screen. And there it is...either it is understood or it isn't. If anyone needs it explaining then they just don't get it! Is it a question or is it an answer?!

@krelllabs 15 жыл бұрын

Thanks so much for this!!

@nickhirst999 11 жыл бұрын

Yes, you're right! There should be another 'bong' on the beginning but I did this with a DVD player and a CD player with one remote control in my left hand and the other in my right! I went over it and over it and over it again and again until I got it right! You can see the pause bars on the DVD player! Ultimately, I love the way it came out. The first bong never came out but I liked the synchronisation which I achieved and "Many Happy Returns" was the episode which worked best!

@kevinfrederickson6840 4 жыл бұрын

I did a vocal track for this. That missing bong tripped me up.

@veejaythernrdj 15 жыл бұрын

As far as I know Ron Grainer presented this version to Patrick McGoohan. McGoohan wasn't happy and let his feelings be known to Mr Grainer. This resulted in the more dynamic version that was used. That version in my opinion suits the opening sequence and the feel of the series, but this version here is quite interestring

@LordZontar 14 жыл бұрын

It is, in any case, a very interesting composition. I think this was the one inspired by a Rachmaninov piece. It would have been fascinating to have heard it in the recent AMC series. However, I can also see why McGoohan insisted Grainer remix it more uptempo; it didn't quite fit with his vision for the series but he obviously saw potential in what Grainer had come up with, which he had not seen in the work of the other two compositions which he turned down.

@johcafra 8 жыл бұрын

Fascinating. Very likely recorded as a demo but even at the slower pace it has drive. Still, I'm glad the composer took Paddy up on his suggestion.

@Madelow56 13 жыл бұрын

I agree with Polonius Bent: this version has great atmosphere to it!

@siempra78 15 жыл бұрын

this isn't bad actually...i like it as it has an interesting sense of impending doom (for the main character), perhaps would make a good outro for the final episode? (Have you tried it against the clips/shots of the final episode) I think the loud trumpet version gives you a sense of announcement that something different and revolutionary is going to happen for the character and mainstream TV. Very good work!

@nickhirst999 12 жыл бұрын

I can't say I do. Sadly I've never heard the B side. This is from The Silva Series ( 2 CDs) released in 1992, 20 years ago when I bought them. Last time I checked, Silva had added at least a 3rd disc but I never got round to buying that! Perhaps it's time I did!

@nickhirst999 11 жыл бұрын

I didn't think "Fall Out" was the best episode, though the ending is absolutely brilliant. How on earth could anyone end the series with the meaning intended? The whole cyclic nature...where it begins right where it starts is nothing short of genius..all those faces wearing the same masks whether they be anarchists...pacifists or whatever...all the faceless nobodys who run our societies

@fodiladjila2853 Жыл бұрын

Exactement 👌👏👏👏

@NotATube 15 жыл бұрын

I think "stodgy" is a bit harsh; it's a very interesting different take on the material. The organ gives this one an almost classical feel. Although the final version was a better choice for the opening and closing credits, and I entirely agree that McGoohan was right to get him to beef it up, this one has its place too.

@leobluesy 10 жыл бұрын

Thanks for posting

@nickhirst999 11 жыл бұрын

My personal favourite is "The Girl Who Was Death" because it is the first I ever saw. Off hand I can't think of a least favourite

@LordZontar 14 жыл бұрын

Actually, Grainer sort of did use the tempo of this first version of his Prisoner theme for some of the incidental music for "Do Not Forsake Me, Oh My Darling".

@nickhirst999 15 жыл бұрын

He's not dead. He's just resting

@kevinfrederickson6840 4 жыл бұрын

Haha

@bondbrookebond 12 жыл бұрын

Very Omega Man.

@EdOscuro 15 жыл бұрын

Preemptive 5-stars, will listen in a bit :)

@egon4593 4 жыл бұрын

Personally, I like this version more than the final version. But of course, the final version goes better with the intro. I could imagine the original version as final music of the episodes, but obviously McGoohan couldn't. :-)

@ewan.cartwright 8 жыл бұрын

I really like this version; it doesn't fit the video at all, but on its own it sounds really good.

@catchaser52 5 жыл бұрын

Well Done Thanks Much,,,,

@UnsilentE 14 жыл бұрын

It's lovely and it fits, but it lacks a certain kick-you-in-the-teeth power that the final version definitely packs. Still, this is a real find, thanks for posting.

@nickhirst999 15 жыл бұрын

Thanks!

@thewhiteroom23 13 жыл бұрын

There was a kind of house version of this which Steve Wright used to play on his afternoon Radio 1 show around 1990. Can't find it anywhere...

@nickhirst999 15 жыл бұрын

You want KAR 120C? Don't we all? A Lotus Seven Kit car (Lotus Sevens were a 'build it yourself' car from a kit) Mrs Butterworth: Terribly interesting! No6: KAR a hundred and twenty C. What's the engine number? Mrs butterworth: Do tell me! The Prisoner: 461034TZ! Mrs Butterworth: Marvellous! The Prisoner: I know every nut and bolt and cog. I built it with my own hands!

@Lowerthetone1 13 жыл бұрын

@LordZontar Do you mean Rimsky Korsakov? I'd heard that there is a similar musical phrase in his "Scheherazade".

@nickhirst999 13 жыл бұрын

@thewhiteroom23 I think you probably mean The Prisoner (Free Man Mix) by F.A.B. / The Brothers Organisation. I have the vinyl 45 and it is from 1990. It is a house mix with McGoohan's voice repeating "what do you want?" and Leo McKern replying "Information, information"

@nickhirst999 15 жыл бұрын

Thanks very much for the offer. I'm OK for the audio on this one, but I'm sure andebeatz would appreciate it. Cheers! NH

@forfancy 14 жыл бұрын

this is a nice version, but the uptempo one is so much more vitalizing!

@flint55 14 жыл бұрын

This version is very similar to Grainer's score for the Omega Man.

@nickhirst999 15 жыл бұрын

Ok, perhaps not stodgy, but a bit plodding! I prefer this version but wish there was a cleaner, tighter take of it as I'd love to be able to hear the arrangement better. Ron Grainer's instrumentation on this is very similar to another of my favourites of his: Tales of The Unexpected. I'd love to know exactly what instruments he used but there seems to be little info available. If anyone knows please enlighten me!

@nickhirst999 12 жыл бұрын

Agreed!

@LordZontar 13 жыл бұрын

@Lowerthetone1 - possibly. I know the theme was inspired by a classical piece, but I was under the impression it was Rachmaninov. I'd have to find out to be certain.

@nickhirst999 15 жыл бұрын

Yes, several people have said this and I do think this version is very stodgy. I'm not completely sure what this version is. I think it's probably a demo. What I like is the arrangement which Ron Grainer has done with this one, using pipe organs and all sorts of instruments, layered over each other. It's the brass that I find a bit too strident on the actual theme. Somewhere between the two would be nice.

@ReverendFlatus 15 жыл бұрын

Well you could record the audio from this video using something like Cool Edit or similar. Open the mixer for your audio card, select the appropriate input, set Cool Edit or whatever to record, and play the video. Then you can save the recorded file. Hope this makes sense, I'm pissed me.

@NotATube 15 жыл бұрын

While it does have a certain charm to it, and it might work in certain contexts, the final version is still far and away the best- McGoohan was certainly right to get him to redo it.

@bondbrookebond 12 жыл бұрын

You would love it if you like this, I don't suppose if you would happen to know if the b.side track 'Arrival'-'The Awakening' on the special members give away Lyntone Flexi disc of 'Age Of Elegance', has ever appeared on cd, thanks.

@nickhirst999 12 жыл бұрын

Yes this is from the Silva Series CD. The only difference you'll find in any other version is that it will have an extra 'bong' at the beginning. For technical reasons the first 'bong' got cut off mine as I tried to edit it. It infuriated me but in the end I had to settle for six bongs instead of seven!

@glynbrain1083 4 жыл бұрын

I like the faster version. This is good music, but I mostly wanted the music & titles over with and the story to begin.

@thewhiteroom23 13 жыл бұрын

@nickhirst999 Just had a listen...and no its not that one. This one was slightly faster with a chunkier synth bassline and the brass section was a recreation I think, not a sample. I accidently taped it off the radio at the time ( before I'd heard of the Prisoner theme originally. Must dig that tape out! ). I wonder if it was one of his studio boffins who did it, I remeber he has a guy who was part of his possee who used to make music for the show. Steve Wright that is.

@rnm1011 14 жыл бұрын

I'm glad they made it more punchy.

@nickhirst999 11 жыл бұрын

MowgliX.......... Well....Yes!! I've always thought so! But who are we to disagree with Number Six?! Here's a short story: Patrick McGoohan (aka number six) got Ron Grainer to compose this original piece as the theme tune but when Ron Grainer played it to Pat, he wasn't keen and wanted a much more uptempo piece which ended up as the brassy version which we all know and love. I think this original version is so much more soulful and emotional.

@nickhirst999 12 жыл бұрын

You're not the first to say that! I must give Omega Man a listen!

@stevewynnearts 6 жыл бұрын

The melody is there more pace did work.good to hear.ornate ?

@EdOscuro 15 жыл бұрын

Wasn't aware of his passing... :(

@griersson 15 жыл бұрын

I think I timed the sequences in 1996 and left a gap of black before the opening sequence begins and started the music a second or 2 before. If you notice, the music overlaps the start and end of the opening credit sequence! In other words to get it just so is B*LL ACHE!

@nickhirst999 15 жыл бұрын

Ah! You must be number 006!

@davidcritchley3509 6 жыл бұрын

Like an ice cream van ... roll up, anyone want lollies?

@ReverendFlatus 15 жыл бұрын

Ooh Nick, Patrick will be spinning in his grave! Interesting though.

@farmall706man 13 жыл бұрын

Where can I find a copy of this recording...or, can one be had?

@nickhirst999 13 жыл бұрын

@thewhiteroom23 I've just found it on YT. Put 'Prisoner FAB mix' in and there' s a couple of versions of it.

@LarryKelly Жыл бұрын

nothing of the sense of urgency and outrage that comes with the final version.

@nickhirst999 12 жыл бұрын

Sadly not as far as I know. I think this is the only version there is but I'd love to be proved wrong!

@nickhirst999 15 жыл бұрын

I was going to reply earlier but I had to look up the word "Sacrilege" in the dictionary!

@willpurry 10 жыл бұрын

Got a bit of an afternoon chat show vibe to it.

@nickhirst999 15 жыл бұрын

Oddly enough, I've just asked a friend the same question as there are a few things which I need to separate the audio only track from. I'm fairly computer illiterate but when I find out, I'll let you know! If it's any help I think the audio track is already MP3 but as to how you get it on its own.....pass! Ask me one on general knowledge!

@nickhirst999 15 жыл бұрын

That'll be down to drinking alcohol! Makes perfect sense though. (The Reverend is the friend I was referring to)

@Lowerthetone1 13 жыл бұрын

@LordZontar Or Patrick McGoohan's whistling. Take your pick! :)

@phonotical 4 жыл бұрын

I'm sure I still heard the smoke 😂

@nickhirst999 11 жыл бұрын

Definitely! An audio bong should be there making seven! But I had to sacrifice a bong!!! I tell you what really frustrates me Mowgli is this: a few days ago, I was with my elder brother and he said: "Of course, I used to work with Ron Grainer's son." "What? What? WHAT?" I asked! This is why I like The Prisoner and hate Big Brother!

@veejaythernrdj 15 жыл бұрын

I'm glad McGoohan insisted that it be toughened up a bit, as this version is a bit Henfry VIIIth. Nice effort though...interesting

@nickhirst999 14 жыл бұрын

@Gyphia No wonder I like it then! Also, I've been wondering where this @whoever has suddenly started appearing from. When I clicked reply to you it automatically generated @Gyphia. Another mystery solved!

@ReverendFlatus 15 жыл бұрын

Yes, unfortunately, a few days ago on 13th. I think Rover got 'im!

@nickhirst999 14 жыл бұрын

I'm not so keen on the strident, brassy, chopped-about version that ended up as the main theme, but I agree that this is a bit stodgy. But what is this? A demo, or what? I really don't know. For me it has far more of the emotional appeal which I associate with the series than the brass 'n' bongos version Q) What do you call a man who can play the trumpet but doesn't? A) A Gentleman

@nickhirst999 15 жыл бұрын

You are indeed a free man and not J Freeman! ;)