Double Dutch
What was the original Van Der Valk theme tune? How the 2020 version compares to the 1972 original
ITV has rebooted classic dutch detective series Van Der Valk with a modern day twist.
The original, starring Barry Foster as Simon "Piet" Van Der Valk, was released in 1972 and the remake has left some viewers fuming with the contemporary take on the original theme tune.
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Marc Warren stars in the 1970's ITV remake of Van Der Valk
What is the Van Der Valk theme tune?
The original theme tune was called Eye Level by the Simon Park Orchestra.
It became an iconic part of the original detective series that aired between 1972 and 1992.
The track reached number one in the charts in 1973 staying there for over 4 weeks after it was originally intended to only be used as library music for De Wolfe Limited.
Loosely based on a German/Dutch nursery rhyme it also took the opening bars from Mozart's Le Nozze Di Figaro.
After gaining a platinum disc from sales of over one million it was announced as one of the best selling singles of the 1970's.
The song went from strength to strength not only filling the airwaves of the Van Der Valk series but also it was used in commercials for KLM Royal Dutch Airlines and adverts for Alton Towers and Luna Park.
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How does 2020 version compare to the 1972 original?
The 2020 Van Der Valk theme tune is named Dutch Detective, made with a piano melody that gives a nod to the 1972 original without being an exact copy of the initial masterpiece.
Fans were left hugely disappointed when the ITV 1970's remake of Van der Valk decided to scrap the original theme tune.
There were nods to the original masterpiece but fans were quick to point out that it lacked the same quality and punch as the original and took to Twitter in rage saying: "How can even consider VanDerValk without THAT theme music."
Another viewer wrote: "The main thing with Van Der Valk was the theme tune. The new theme is a little weak in comparison."
Although strings play a huge part in the 2020 version, the original theme tune boasted an ensemble of woodwind instruments and flutes.
The original version had a lighthearted typical dutch sound to it which would possibly not work with the new gritty version of the current series.
More on Van Der Valk
When is Van Der Valk next on?
Van Der Valk is back on ITV tonight (May 14, 2021)
The show consists of three feature-length episodes airing on a weekly basis.
All episodes will be available to watch on the ITV Hub after they have aired.
Van Der Valk returns to TV with Marc Warren leading the cast
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