Not long after Schifrin’s removal to Los Angeles, he was asked in 1966 to provide a theme for the new TV spy series, Mission: Impossible. The result was the catchy theme that became a signature for the 1966-73 series, starring Peter Graves. The story behind the theme is that Schifrin picked the Morse code rhythm for the letters, M and I. That is, dash dash, dot dot, generating a 5/4...
Tuba concerto
The tuba is an essential in the modern symphonic orchestra—and in the popular imagination, forever associated with bands and jazz. But, in the orchestra, there is no good substitute for its ability to serve as the bass of the brass section, and to blend equally well with the string section. But, it was not always sitting back there. It really didn’t exist until around the middle...