Barrington Pheloung: Life, Career, Music, and Legacy

Barrington Pheloung was an exceptional composer whose music has left an enduring mark on television, film, ballet, theatre, and concert stages. Best known for his work on the legendary crime series Inspector Morse, Pheloung’s compositions are recognized for their emotional depth, technical sophistication, and ability to capture the essence of story and character. This article explores his life, education, career, notable works, personal life, and legacy, offering a comprehensive look at one of the most talented composers of his generation.

Who is Barrington Pheloung?

Barrington Somers James Pheloung was born on May 10, 1954, in Manly, New South Wales, Australia. From an early age, he displayed a remarkable talent for music. Growing up in a family that valued creativity and the arts, Pheloung gravitated toward guitar and performance, playing in local R&B and blues bands as a teenager. His early exposure to music laid the foundation for a career that would span more than four decades.

Pheloung’s surname, originally “Phelan,” was adapted by his great-grandfather after emigrating to New Zealand. Known affectionately by friends as “Bazza” or “Barry,” he would go on to become one of the most respected composers in television and film.

Education and Musical Training

At age 18, Barrington Pheloung moved to London to pursue formal music education. He first attended Chiswick Music Centre, where he honed his skills in guitar, double bass, and composition. Later, he enrolled at the Royal College of Music (RCM), studying composition under John Lambert and guitar under distinguished musicians John Williams and Julian Bream. He also studied conducting, further diversifying his musical expertise.

During his time at RCM, Pheloung composed his first commissioned ballet score, marking the beginning of a prolific career in professional composition. His classical training, combined with early exposure to popular and blues music, allowed him to create a unique voice in both concert and media music.

Career Overview

Barrington Pheloung’s career is a testament to versatility. He worked across multiple mediums, from ballet and theatre to television, film, and even video games. His ability to adapt his musical style to different formats made him a highly sought-after composer.

Ballet and Theatre

Pheloung composed over 50 commissioned ballet scores for renowned dance companies in Britain and Europe. Some notable works include Run Like Thunder and Rite Elektrik, which were celebrated for their innovative use of orchestration and rhythm.

In theatre, he composed for West End productions such as Made in Bangkok, After the Fall, and The Graduate. His theatre work demonstrated his ability to capture mood, character, and narrative through music, often enhancing the audience’s emotional experience.

Television Career: Inspector Morse and Spin-offs

Barrington Pheloung is most famous for his contributions to television, particularly for composing the iconic theme and incidental music for Inspector Morse (1987–2000). His approach to the Morse theme was both inventive and fitting: he used a musical motif based on Morse code spelling out “M-O-R-S-E,” reflecting the detective’s analytical mind and love of puzzles.

The theme became instantly recognizable, and his music for the series has been praised for its ability to evoke tension, introspection, and drama. Following the success of Inspector Morse, Pheloung composed for the sequel Lewis (2006–2015) and prequel Endeavour (2012–2019), helping maintain the musical identity of the Morse universe.

Other television work included series like Boon (1985), which helped establish him as a versatile composer in the industry.

Film Work

Barrington Pheloung also made significant contributions to film music. Some of his notable works include:

Hilary and Jackie (1998): A biographical film about cellist Jacqueline du Pré, showcasing his ability to capture both intimacy and drama.

Truly, Madly, Deeply (1990): An early film score that helped establish his reputation in British cinema.

Shopgirl (2005), Nostradamus (1994), and The Mangler (1995): Demonstrating his adaptability across genres, from drama to thriller.

In addition to his film scores, Pheloung made appearances as a musician, such as playing double bass in Truly, Madly, Deeply, highlighting his hands-on approach to music.

Video Games and Other Media

Pheloung extended his talent to video games, composing for adventure games from Revolution Software. Notable titles include:

Broken Sword: The Shadow of the Templars and its sequels

In Cold Blood

These works demonstrate his ability to translate narrative and atmosphere into interactive media, a skill that few composers master with such finesse.

Musical Style and Signature Approach

Pheloung’s music is characterized by a blend of classical sophistication and emotional resonance. In Inspector Morse, he rejected synthesizer-heavy scores in favor of orchestral arrangements and acoustic instruments, aligning with the character’s classical music tastes. His inventive use of Morse code within the music illustrates his creativity and attention to narrative detail.

In ballet and concert music, Pheloung often incorporated influences from jazz, blues, and avant-garde techniques, producing a body of work that is both diverse and deeply expressive.

Personal Life

Barrington Pheloung maintained a relatively private personal life. Key details include:

First marriage: Anita Griffin (married 1979), with whom he had two children.

Second marriage: Heather Lovejoy, with whom he had additional children and with whom he lived until his passing.

He spent most of his career in the UK but remained connected to his Australian roots.

Despite his fame, Pheloung was known for his modesty, professionalism, and generosity toward colleagues and young musicians.

Death and Cause

Barrington Pheloung passed away on August 1, 2019, in Australia at the age of 65. The cause of death was reported as respiratory failure. His death was mourned by the music, television, and theatre communities, who praised not only his remarkable talent but also his character and contribution to the arts.

Legacy

Barrington Pheloung’s legacy is multifaceted:

His theme for Inspector Morse is one of Britain’s most iconic television themes.

He was nominated for prestigious awards, including BAFTA nominations for Best Original Television Music and recognition for film scores like Hilary and Jackie.

Pheloung’s work spanned ballet, theatre, film, television, video games, and concert music, highlighting his versatility.

Fellow composers and musicians remember him as a generous, talented, and deeply dedicated artist.

His influence continues through the lasting popularity of his compositions, particularly for the Morse series, and through his contributions to classical and contemporary music.

Conclusion

Barrington Pheloung was a composer whose music transcended medium and genre, touching audiences in television, film, ballet, theatre, and video games. From his early days in Australia to his education in London and his celebrated career in the UK, Pheloung left an indelible mark on the arts. His themes, scores, and compositions continue to inspire musicians and composers around the world.

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