Observations: Music to save the world by

So what do you get for the Doctor Who fan who already has the DVDs, sonic screwdriver, remote-controlled Dalek and life-size cardboard cut-out of a Cyberman? Well, there's always the soundtrack to Series Four, composed by four times Bafta-nominated Murray Gold. It's unlikely to convert those who objected to the Doctor Who Prom this year – the soft rock of "UNIT Rocks" and Carmina Burana-esque "The Dark and Endless Dalek Night" are a long way from Wagner – but Gold is rightly noted for his television work, having collaborated with Russell T Davies on Queer as Folk and Casanova.

Even fearsome critics noted that the Prom – 6,000 tickets sold to a rapt audience of all ages – was an excellent forum for introducing younger listeners to concert music. And in parts the soundtrack is hauntingly good – particularly "Midnight", a spare, oppressive theme to the episode where the only baddies are the ordinary folks turning on each other, and "Song of Freedom", which accompanies the Doctor's latest mission to save the Earth from Davros's evil machinations.

In short, it's a must for serious fans, and if it gets children to appreciate full-blown orchestral music as played by the BBC National Orchestra of Wales, it can't be all bad. Plus, of course, for old-fashioned types, Ron Grainer's unforgettable theme tune – beefed up with plenty of strings, brass and clashing cymbals – tops and tails the whole album. Allons-y!

The 'Doctor Who' Series Four soundtrack is out now on Silva Screen Records