Mark Snow, composer of the X-Files theme and countless other soundtracks, has died at age 78.
I remember picking out the X-Files theme by ear on my school’s clavinova after choir rehearsals.
Mark Snow, composer of the X-Files theme and countless other soundtracks, has died at age 78.
I remember picking out the X-Files theme by ear on my school’s clavinova after choir rehearsals.
From the Times obit:
It took a stroke of serendipity to land on a theme worthy of the show [“X-Files”]. One day in his studio, Mr. Snow accidentally leaned his elbow on a keyboard that was set with a spacey echo-delay effect. He quickly concluded that it would be the perfect foundation of the theme. Looking for a spooky element to flesh it out, he ran across an intriguing sample called “Whistling Joe” on his E-mu Proteus synthesizer.
His wife, Glynnis, was also intrigued by the sound, Mr. Snow told NPR. She told him: “You know, I’m a good whistler too. Maybe I could beef it up a little bit.’” A combination of her whistling and the machine’s ended up in the show’s opening credits.
Oh man, we’ve been rewatching X-Files from the begining, the sound of the E-mu Proteus and various 90s romplers are all over it. I kinda love the sound in a very nostalgic way, and the theme is of course legendary
RIP
RIP Mark. Nobody used that Whistlin’ Joe preset as well as you did.
Recently watched every episode of the X-Files series (including the two newest one) and the movies. Had a great time. Brilliant theme song - iconic, timeless, restrained, mysterious.
RIP Mark.
His music made one of the best shows what it was. The most iconic TV scoring of the 90s.
Oh no, very sad news
Oh no…RIP mr. Snow. Yeah, that X-Files music…nothing is forever, sadly.
He did some great work for shows such as Vega$, Hart to Hart, TJ Hooker, etc too. Also, season 3 Starsky & Hutch theme tune.
RIP Mark Snow.
G