Who composed the choral theme music for the original Mr. Bean series?

Howard Goodall composed the choral theme music for the original Mr. Bean series.

The theme is distinctive because it presents Mr. Bean as if he were entering a grand ceremonial or sacred setting. A choir sings Latin words including “Ecce homo qui est faba,” which translates roughly as “Behold the man who is a bean.” The solemn musical treatment contrasts with the character’s awkward everyday behavior.

Goodall wrote the music for the television series, while the performance helped establish the opening and closing sequences as part of Mr. Bean’s identity. The theme is therefore not merely a generic comedy jingle; it deliberately gives the character an exaggeratedly important introduction.

The music is sometimes attributed to Rowan Atkinson because he created and performed the character. Atkinson was not the composer of the choral theme. The credited composer is Howard Goodall, an English composer known for television and choral music.