1. The Undertaker - Marche Funebere (Frédéric Chopin)
The Undertaker character, very much a product of the early-90s WWF ethos, should never have succeeded. How could anyone take the concept of an undead Western mortician seriously in a legitimate sport? With any other performer, the persona would have fell flat on its face almost immediately. However, few would have committed themselves to the character as thoroughly as Mark Callaway. Every aspect of the gimmick, from his methodical movements to terrifying, dead-eyed expression made a plainly ludicrous concept utterly believable and entirely captivating. The Undertaker package was completed by having one of the most distinctive entrance themes of any wrestler before or since. For a wrestling funeral director, there was only choice. Chopin's sombre 'Marche Funebre' from his famed second sonata is unanimously recognised as the most funerary of all death marches, and Jim Johnston's organ rendition perfectly set the pace for The Undertaker's petrifying procession to ringside. As the character grew in popularity, the iconic knell was added to signal the entrance of The Deadman, a sound which sent chills of excitement through a fervent audience. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=y0mAbw-niI8 The theme has been through many variations over the years, even being memorably performed on The Royal Albert Hall's grand pipe organ by an Andrew Lloyd-Webber inspired 'phantom' at UK-only event Battle Royal At The Albert Hall. Yet despite the many changes, the ominous effect of the classic theme remains the same. Never send to know for whom the bell tolls; it tolls for The Undertaker. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GGkEVUOuAak
Benjamin was born in 1987, and is still not dead. He variously enjoys classical music, old-school adventure games (they're not dead), and walks on the beach (albeit short - asthma, you know).
He's currently trying to compile a comprehensive history of video game music, yet denies accusations that he purposefully targets niche audiences. He's often wrong about these things.
