2010’s Season 5 saw the beginning of the Moffat era, with the position of lead writer and showrunner being taken over by Steven Moffat. Although many changes were made to the show at this point, the music, somewhat surprisingly stayed more or less in the same style.

New themes that reflected the personalities of the characters were created for the new Doctor and his new companion, Amy Pond, but the overall style of composition remained largely unchanged. The greatest change to be noticed is in the theme tune, which despite keeping hold of the sweeping, electronic sounding melody line, became more orchestral than ever, with the addition of voices in particular standing out in the mix.

Gradually however, the style changes became more prominent. Season 6 saw the addition of a few more electronic-style elements, such as in ‘Room of Your Dreams’ and ‘Which One is the Flesh’ hints at a more prominent use of the ‘alien’ sounds of Classic Era Doctor Who. The majority of the underscore remained orchestral for this season however, although Gold did also make use of more unusual instruments, or unusual combinations of instruments in this season, leading again to a more alien sound.

By Season 7, the change was even more noticeable. The traditional Dalek theme, which had been in use since their return, with only slight changes (for example the loss of voices in the Season 5 version), was replaced completely with a new brass heavy theme, complete with unusual harmonies and extended instrumental techniques, making them more menacing and alien sounding.

The orchestral sound still largely remained during this season, but whereas the use of leitmotif increased gradually during Russell T Davies reign as show runner, Season 7 saw the music change to a more episodic nature, with fewer themes providing an arc across the season.

And finally we reach Season 8 and Peter Capaldi’s regeneration of the Doctor.

The regenerated theme tune is greatest indication of the changes taking place with a much greater focus on electronic textures and sounds, and if we look at the underscore of the series more closely, we find that despite the continued orchestral sound, there has been a return to the electronic creation of the music, with fewer cues recorded with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales.

Who knows where the music will take us next. With a return to more electronically created music and unusual harmonies, maybe we’re looking at a return to the alien sounds associated with the Classic Era of Doctor Who.

Perhaps, the vast range of genres explored within the show will mean that the orchestral sound is kept whether created electronically, or with an actual orchestra. Or the music could change again into something completely different.

Whatever happens, the music will always prove to be an integral part of the programme.

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What’s your favourite piece of music from the past decade of Doctor Who? Let us know below…