<P> In New Zealand the series was broadcast on TVNZ until it's been broadcast for a number of years on the free - to - air channel Prime . </P> <P> In the United States, the series was first aired by A&E, which broadcast "The Killings at Badger's Drift" on 28 June 1998 and followed with the next four episodes over the 1998--99 season . The show remained on A&E for many years until it was syndicated by American Public Television for broadcast on public television stations . As of December 2017, episodes through series 19 are available for streaming through Netflix . </P> <P> Composed by Jim Parker, the iconic main theme is a moderate - tempo waltz, performed (primarily though not exclusively) on an unusual electronic musical instrument, the theremin, which has a sound not unlike a low whistle or a human voice . The theremin part was played by Celia Sheen (1940--2011). From the 14th series onwards the soundtrack was altered so that during the closing titles a standardised version of the theme is played on a solo violin in place of the theremin . Occasionally a version with a longer introduction opens the show, using a flute rather than a theremin as the lead instrument . </P> <P> Three soundtrack CDs have been released so far, containing musical cues from various series . The first two sold out quickly and are now out of print, making them extremely hard to find . The most recent soundtrack is currently being given away to subscribers of the Midsomer Murders DVD / Magazine package in the UK and the Netherlands . </P>

Who composed the theme tune to midsomer murders