Anthony Hopkins, the Welsh-born Hollywood actor, has been composing music all his life. Now, at 88, he makes his Decca debut with Life Is a Dream: Music Composed by Anthony Hopkins, enlisting Gustavo Dudamel, the LA Philharmonic's outgoing music director, to bring his music to life.
A cinematic influence
The album reflects a significant cinematic influence, inspired by the music that caught the attention of a boy growing up in Margam, a suburb of Port Talbot. The opening Fanfare and March is a catchy, Technicolor splash, harmonious and written from the heart, as is the Khachaturian-flavoured Two Pieces for Orchestra.
Welsh roots and family dedications
Welsh roots are honoured in My Fatherland, which features six traditional tunes, four sung in Welsh, and would not seem out of place at the Last Night of the Proms. Reminiscences abound, including the lively 1947: Suite for Orchestra, recalling one of the hottest summers on record, taking its cue from the streets and mountains around Hopkins' childhood home, including an unforgettable visit with his father to the Plaza cinema.
Works dedicated to his wife include Stella Aria and the Stanley Myers-inspired Farewell My Love, while Tara is dedicated to his niece. Soloists are distinguished, with Argentinian pianist Sergio Tiempo and Venezuelan cellist Gregorio Nieto, alongside fine contributions from the Philharmonia Orchestra and the Bach Choir. The spacious recording is state-of-the-art, and those who appreciate easy-on-the-ear melody and good old-fashioned craft should find plenty to enjoy.
