Twenty Thousand Hertz The Seinfeld theme song w/ Composer Jonathan Wolff
Jan 8, 2020
TV composer Jonathan Wolff shares the story behind creating the iconic Seinfeld theme song, using Jerry Seinfeld's stand-up bits as the melody, and customizing music to match the show's comedic tempo. Explore the impact of instrumental tracks on enhancing comedic timing and the significance of TV theme songs in creating cultural connections.
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Jerry's Call to Jonathan Wolff
- Jerry Seinfeld personally called Jonathan Wolff after his friend George Wallace recommended him for the show music.
- Network executives disliked the theme's quirky sound, but Larry David insisted on keeping it, defending its unique charm.
Voice as Musical Melody
- Jonathan Wolff treated Jerry's voice as the melody of Seinfeld's theme song, integrating music with stand-up.
- This approach was revolutionary, blending comedy delivery with music rhythmically and organically.
Innovative Bass and Timing
- The iconic slap bass was synthesized from samples, not played live, showcasing cutting-edge sampling technology.
- The theme's tempo of about 110 BPM matched Jerry's comedic timing, synchronizing music with joke delivery.