Original Score by Stuart Fox

Narrated by Mark Strong | Broadcast on Eden TV (UKTV)

6 x 60 mins | Full Series Composer

Deserts and Life is a six-part documentary series exploring the diverse cultures, wildlife, and extraordinary people of the world’s largest deserts. I was commissioned to compose the complete original score, crafting a wide-ranging musical backdrop that reflected the tone and geography of each episode.

At a time when most factual TV scores relied heavily on virtual instruments, I made it a priority to bring in as many real performances as possible. You’ll hear a wide range of live instrumentation throughout the series—much of it played by me—including bamboo flutes (Gobi), South American flutes, Cuatro, banjo, guitars, and even some vocals.

The Australian Outback episode features stunning violin solos by Laurence Kempton (WNO), alongside a custom “flute tap” instrument I built especially for the project. That episode also includes DADGAD slide guitar and didgeridoo, which added a great layer of texture and character.

Each episode had its own musical identity, shaped by the unique environment and story:

• The Thar Desert, India

• The Atacama, Chile/Peru

• The Australian Outback

• The Gobi Desert, Mongolia

• The Judean Desert

• The Namib Desert, Africa

This project was a real journey—challenging, rewarding, and full of unexpected discoveries.