Introduction
“Q.E.D.” (Quod Erat Demonstrandum, Latin for ‘that which was to be demonstrated’) is a UK documentary television series that aired on BBC 1 from 1982 to 1999. The second episode in the first season titled ‘Light Creatures Of The Night’ was broadcast on the 13th of April 1982 and addresses bioluminescene occuring in the natural world. The 30-minute episode featured music by Vangelis, most of which was sourced from studio albums such as “Heaven And Hell” (1975), “Albedo 0.39” (1976), “Beaubourg” (1978) and “China” (1979). However, somehow the BBC managed to insert several cues that are evidently by Vangelis, but are unique to this documentary... So, did Vangelis provide original music for this episode, or did the BBC have another source for these cues? If you have more information on this mystery, please write to the e-mail address below!
Details and credits
- Series: Q.E.D. season 1, episode 2.
- Episode: Light Creatures Of The Night
- Broadcast date: 13th of April 1982 on BBC1
- Length: 30 minutes
- Narrated by Anthony Smith
- Music by Vangelis.
- Produced by Tony Edwards.
- Executive producer: Mick Rhodes
Media
Unfortunately the Q.E.D. episode ‘Light Creatures Of The Night’ was never officially released after its initial broadcast. However a recording is available online for educational purposes here (requires an account).
Synopsis
“In the jungles of South-East Asia entire bushes light up like Christmas trees, and in the Caribbean the seas glow with a luminous light. It's called bioluminescence - a term used to describe the many extraordinary creatures that turn themselves on in the dark. Watch fireflies in their hundreds' pulsing messages in the dark scuba dive in search of fish that-blink and flash, and swim among clouds of luminous plankton: and discover why the US Navy is so very interested.”
Links