Orbital Remixes BBC Wimbledon theme tune for 40th anniversary

Light and Tuneful, the BBC’s Wimbledon theme tune, is 40 years old this summer, and Paul Hartnoll, of British electronic dance duo Orbital has teamed up with BBC Sport and BBC Music to give it a new twist.

Originally composed by Keith Mansfield, Light and Tuneful has been remixed and visualised by music legend Paul, and will air as part of BBC’s Wimbledon coverage this week.

Paul, who also performed at the 2012 London Paralympic Games Opening Ceremony, said: “I love the Wimbledon theme, I remember it on the BBC from when I was a kid. So when the BBC asked me to cover it, I immediately thought about how to do it in a different way. The original is very up and full of joy so I thought I’d turn it into a gladiatorial, almost Hunger Games type theme, spurred on by my memories of McEnroe’s famous outbursts.

With the visual element we’ve told the story of Wimbledon over the years but following the path of a match. Presenting the players at the beginning going into battle. We then show them in action leading to some memorable moments in tennis history. Then we move on to the pain of failure into the final volley and onto victory. All in a minute and a half!”

Orbital have put their own spin on the famous tune to mark its 40th anniversary. Watch the film and hear the remixed version here: http://www.bbc.co.uk/sport/tennis/36740254