Silva Screen: The KrotonsBookmark and Share

Thursday, 28 March 2013 - Reported by Chuck Foster
The second in the range of classic Doctor Who soundtracks has been announced by Silva Screen Records, this time focussing on the Second Doctor with the electronic soundscape created by Brian Hodgson for The Krotons.

The Krotons (soundtrack) (Credit: Silva Screen)Originally transmitted in 4 episodes on BBC1 between 28th December 1968 and 18th January 1969, The Krotons starred Patrick Troughton as the second Doctor. The soundtrack (or "special sounds") were created by Brian Hodgson and the BBC Radiophonic Workshop, who said:
For this story I mainly used the “Crystal Palace”, so called because its case was made of clear Perspex which exposed its workings. This machine, created by our engineer Dave Young, could mechanically sample 16 inputs and combine them into a single output in 4 prearranged patterns. The progression of the patterns was deliberately slow to create textures of sound. I was very much interested in exploring changing aural textures in tracks such as “The Learning Hall” and “Kroton Theme”.

Generating and manipulating music and sound effects defines sound design, a process that is common on TV and film productions nowadays. However The BBC Radiophonic Workshop was way ahead of the game in the 1960s. Brian Hodgson was a member of the Workshop working closely with the seminal figure of Delia Derbyshire. As the original sound effects creator for Doctor Who he was responsible for the chilling Dalek voices and the powerhouse sound of the Tardis lifting off (created by running a back door key for his mother's house along the bass string of a gutted piano and treating it electronically). His highly innovative techniques are fully on display on this collection of 'special sounds' that provided the background to Doctor Who - The Krotons.
 
  1. Doctor Who (New Opening Theme, 1967)
  2. The Learning Hall
  3. Door Opens
  4. Entry Into The Machine
  5. TARDIS (New Landing)
  6. Wasteland Atmosphere
  7. Machine And City Theme
  8. Machine Exterior
  9. Panels Open
  10. Dispersal Unit
  11. Sting
  12. Selris' House
  13. Machine Interior
  14. Snake Bleeps Low
  15. Silver Hose (The Snake)
  16. Snake Bleeps High
  17. Teaching Machine Hums
  18. Forcefield
  19. Burning Light
  20. Birth Of A Kroton
  21. Kroton Theme
  22. Kroton Dies
  23. Link – Rising Hum
  24. Kroton Dies – (Alternative)

The soundtrack is due to be released on the 13th May 2013 on CD and download, and will also be released as a limited edition 10" Vinyl disc on the 24th May.

Competition

Thanks to Silva Screen we have three copies of the CD for our readers to win. To be in with a chance, simply answer this question:

Brian Hodgson is one of the original participants in the creation of Doctor Who back in 1963, and will be featured in the forthcoming Mark Gatiss drama An Adventure in Space and Time - but which actor will portray him?

Please send your answer to krotons-competition@doctorwhonews.net with the subject line "Winner-Gond!", along with your name, address, and where you read about this competition. The competition is open worldwide, and the closing date will be on the 30th April 2013. Only one entry per household will be accepted.


There is still time to enter our The Caves of Androzani soundtrack competition - see here for more details (closing date 31st March).





FILTER: - Merchandise - Audio - Second Doctor - Competitions - Classic Series - WHO50