all songs considered
Email Us

The All Songs Considered CD

On-Air Reviews

Help All Songs Win A Webby

Top Pop Hits

Freedom Songs

Matt Savage - Autism

If you'd like us to notify you when new shows are posted on All Songs Considered, join our mailing list.



Favorites

NPR 100 Music List

George Harrison

September 11th

Watch All Songs ConsideredATC Theme: The Story

The theme to All Things Considered has changed dramatically over the past 3 decades. Look back and listen through the years:

1971 - Original Theme on synthesizer
1974 - All new theme, also on synth
1978 - An updated orchestration
1983 - Most recognized and popular
1995 - The current theme
Favorites - Our most popular variations
songs featured in this episode


Composer Don Voegeli


Original 1971 Theme

Watch All Songs ConsideredWatch: Original Theme

The original, 1971 version of the theme was composed and performed by Don Voegeli (rhymes with vaguely), and recorded in the Electrosonic Studio at the University of Wisconsin.

Listen to the audio-only version:
Listen to All Songs ConsideredReal Audio | Windows Media


back to top


An early manuscript to Don Voegeli's theme.


All New Theme, 1974

Watch All Songs ConsideredWatch: All New Theme

Also composed and performed on synthesizer by Don Voegeli, this was an entirely new theme recorded in 1974.

Listen to the audio-only version:
Listen to All Songs ConsideredReal Audio | Windows Media


back to top


All Things Considered host, Linda Wertheimer - circa 1974.


Updated Orchestration, 1978

Watch All Songs ConsideredWatch: Updated Orchestration

This 1978 update by Voegeli scrapped the electronics and was scored for brass.

Listen to the audio-only version:
Listen to All Songs ConsideredReal Audio | Windows Media


back to top


All Things Considered host Robert Siegel, 1980, then NPR's London correspondent.


Re-orchestration, 1983

Watch All Songs ConsideredWatch: Re-orchestration, 1983

This re-orchestration is the most well-known and loved version of the theme.

Listen to the audio-only version:
Listen to All Songs ConsideredReal Audio | Windows Media


back to top


All Things Considered hosts Robert Siegel, Noah Adams and Linda Wertheimer in 1996


Wycliffe's 1995 Update

Watch All Songs ConsideredWatch: Wycliffe's 1995 Update

In 1995, trombonist and composer Wycliffe Gordon retooled Don Voegeli's theme. Gordon is best known for his work with Wynton Marsalis.

Listen to the audio-only version:
Listen to All Songs ConsideredReal Audio | Windows Media


back to top


All Things Considered hosts Susan Stamberg and Noah Adams, 1981.


Favorite Theme Variations

Listen to All Songs ConsideredThe Satie Variation

Listen to All Songs ConsideredThe "lovely" Variation

Listen to All Songs ConsideredThe Bossa Variation

Listen to All Songs ConsideredThe Impossible Take Variation

Listen to All Songs ConsideredJazzy Jazz - Go Daddy-O

Listen to All Songs ConsideredJazz - Cool Groove

Listen to All Songs ConsideredTheme On Mouth Bow by John Palmes
back to top


      Copyright 2002, NPR