Alf Clausen – the man behind many of the most famous songs from The Simpsons – has been removed from his post after 27 years in the role. In an interview with Variety, Clausen said he was told by producers that the show was looking for “a different kind of music”.
Part of the reason may have been expense: Clausen steered a 35-piece orchestra, as originally stipulated by The Simpsons’ creator Matt Groening. The cost of running such an ensemble is high, which could be why producers Fox have removed Clausen.
Clausen took to Twitter to announce his departure, stating: “Thank you for all of the support … unfortunately, the news is true.” The American composer has also worked on films including The Naked Gun, Weird Science and Ferris Bueller’s Day Off.
Fox has since issued the following statement: “He [Clausen] will continue to have an ongoing role in the show … neither Alf’s work nor the music of The Simpsons is treated as anything but seriously by us.”
While at The Simpsons Clausen has won two Emmy’s and has been nominated a further 21 times. His celebrated arrangements for the series include We Put The Spring in Springfield, We Do and the Eye On Springfield theme.
Danny Elfman’s iconic The Simpsons Theme is likely to remain on the show.