The Mission (theme music)
John Williams | |
|---|---|
| Occupation(s) | Composer, conductor |
| Known for | Composing The Mission orchestral suite for NBC News broadcasts |
The Mission is an orchestral suite crafted by John Williams in 1985 specifically as a musical package for NBC News broadcasts. This composition is divided into four distinct movements: The Mission, which serves as the theme for NBC Nightly News and has adaptations for other NBC shows; Fugue for Changing Times, featured in the program Before Hours (1987–1988); Scherzo for Today, which was the opening theme for Today until 1990; and The Pulse of Events, utilized by Meet the Press and during special breaking news segments.
History
Already celebrated for his work on films such as Star Wars and E.T., Williams was approached by NBC to create a unique orchestral score that would stand apart from the prevalent synthesized news themes of that era. His objective was to convey a sense of honor, reliability, and dignity through the music. The initial recordings employed an orchestra comprising 80 musicians.
Movements
The suite is composed of four movements, each recorded in two versions intended to open and close broadcasts, accompanied by eleven bumpers designed to evoke various moods.
The Mission
The movement named The Mission has been the signature theme for NBC Nightly News since its debut on September 9, 1985. Dubbed "The Sound of the News," it begins with a syncopated fanfare layered over a violin melody. Music critics have compared it to compositions by Richard Strauss and Aaron Copland, highlighting its powerful summons to truth and integrity.
In October 2004, Williams revisited The Mission, recording it anew with a 100-piece orchestra at Sony Pictures Studios to achieve a clearer sound quality. Subsequent updates included a refreshed opening theme in November 2004 coinciding with Brian Williams’ first appearance as anchor; an updated closing theme in March 2007 aligned with NBC's transition to high-definition broadcasts; and a subtle refinement introduced in 2011.
Adaptations of The Mission were also employed on shows such as NBC News at Sunrise (prior to 1996), The Chris Matthews Show, and Today from 1985 through 2013, when it was succeeded by a composition from Adam Gubman aimed at delivering a "more newsy and less cinematic" feel. Additionally, some NBC affiliates have incorporated this theme into their local newscasts.
On the international front, Australia's Seven Network adopted the original theme for its Seven News bulletins beginning in 1988. The network has independently refreshed its version three times, updating the arrangement with a "hard news" rhythm while preserving its orchestral character. The Seven Network’s Tasmanian affiliate, TNT, also uses this theme for local news programming. Until 2015, Radio Television of Djibouti included a brief excerpt of Seven Network’s rendition during its news introductions.
Fugue for Changing Times
Fugue for Changing Times was featured as the theme music for Before Hours, a concise early morning business news show hosted by Bob Jamieson, airing from March 1987 until September 1988.
Scherzo for Today
Designed as the opening theme for NBC's Today, Scherzo for Today is a short, two-minute piece characterized by its bright and festive mood. It showcases an energetic "A" theme performed by strings and brass instruments, contrasted with a smoother "B" theme, lending the show a contemporary and polished sound. This composition remained in use until 1990 when it was replaced by a version derived from The Mission.
The Pulse of Events
Created initially for the 1986 midterm election broadcast, The Pulse of Events became part of Meet the Press in 1989 and was later employed during urgent news segments in 1993. Its composition, marked by rapid and intricate modulations, aims to reflect a grave, worldwide atmosphere while underscoring the program’s prompt and analytical style.