Sir Anthony Hopkins, the Oscar-winning actor best known for his role in The Silence of the Lambs, has achieved what he calls his “first desire” by signing a record deal as a composer with Decca Classics. The 88-year-old will release his debut album on the label, titled Life Is A Dream, on August 21.
A Lifelong Passion for Music
Hopkins has been composing music since childhood, starting piano at age four. The album collects pieces he has worked on for six decades. The first single, Bracken Road from Hopkins’ 1947: Suite For Solo Piano And Orchestra, was released on Friday. It is inspired by his childhood memories of Margam in south Wales, composed in 1963 while he was a young actor at the Liverpool Playhouse.
Sir Anthony said: “Music was my first desire, my first wish, I’ve been composing music all my life. Some of these pieces have lived with me for decades and I still find myself returning to them. My whole life is a dream. Signing with Decca is the honour of a lifetime.”
Collaborations and Inspirations
The album features performances by Grammy Award-winning conductor Gustavo Dudamel and the Philharmonia Orchestra, with soloists cellist Gregorio Nieto and classical pianist Sergio Tiempo. Hopkins expressed gratitude: “It has been a true privilege to collaborate with the distinguished Philharmonia Orchestra and the virtuoso soloists... My deepest gratitude and respect go to Maestro Gustavo Dudamel, whose artistry is an integral part of this musical journey.”
The record reflects on his life growing up in Port Talbot, Wales, and his family. Another track, My Fatherland, pays tribute to his roots, with Hopkins stating he wrote it to “honour my humble beginnings” adding “I am the son of my father, the baker.” Other compositions draw on memories of Port Talbot, childhood visits with his grandfather, and the cinema that sparked his imagination.
From Hollywood to Classical Music
Hopkins’ portrayal of Hannibal Lecter in The Silence of the Lambs won him the Best Actor Oscar in 1992. He reprised the role in Hannibal (2001) and Red Dragon (2002). He won a second Oscar in 2020 for The Father, starring alongside Olivia Colman.
Laura Monks, President of Decca, said: “It is such a privilege to have the great Sir Anthony Hopkins join Decca Classics. His depth of talent and classical music knowledge, honed over a lifetime, is a joy to celebrate with this new album. Hearing his incredible compositions come to life at the recording sessions in London with Gustavo Dudamel and the Philharmonia Orchestra was a once in a lifetime experience that we are excited to bring to the world.”
Life Is A Dream will be released on August 21.
