Renowned conductor and BAFTA-winning composer, Carl Davis, passes away at the age of 86, and the music world mourns the loss of a beloved and talented maestro.
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Carl Davis Obituary
The world has lost a true Renaissance man with the passing of Carl Davis at the age of 86 due to a brain hemorrhage. A remarkably gifted composer and conductor, he left an indelible mark on the music world, creating iconic scores for numerous successful films and cherished British television programs, including the acclaimed 1995 BBC production of Pride and Prejudice.
Among his many achievements, Davis received critical acclaim for his score in Karel Reisz’s The French Lieutenant’s Woman (1981), which earned him a prestigious BAFTA and Ivor Novello award. His talent graced other notable films like Scandal (1989), The Rainbow (1989), and The Great Gatsby (2000), leaving an enduring impact on the industry.
Beyond the world of cinema, Carl Davis found inspiration in silent movies, composing new scores for classics like Abel Gance’s epic Napoleon (1927). His efforts sparked a global resurgence of live orchestra presentations for silent films, further solidifying his artistic legacy.
One of his career highlights involved a collaboration with Sir Paul McCartney on the Liverpool Oratorio (1991), a heartfelt and moving piece reflecting McCartney’s upbringing in Liverpool. The recording, featuring classical soloists Kiri Te Kanawa and Willard White, took place in Liverpool Cathedral and showcased Davis’s ability to masterfully blend his talent with that of renowned artists.
Despite his immense professional success, Carl Davis remained down-to-earth and engaging, known for his wit and warm demeanor. Whether conducting at prestigious events like the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic’s Summer Pops concerts or the BBC’s Proms in the Park, he effortlessly added charm and flair by conducting in a union jack outfit or a gold lamé coat, playfully defying traditional notions of classical formality.
Born in Brooklyn, New York, Davis’s musical journey began at an early age, fostered by his mother’s encouragement and his natural talent. His love for music led him to listen intently to live radio broadcasts of the Metropolitan Opera and study musical scores from Brooklyn’s public libraries, immersing himself in the world of classical music.
Throughout his illustrious career, Davis collaborated with various artists and cultural institutions, leaving a lasting impact on the world of opera as well. His work on Lady of the Camellias (2008) for the National Ballet of Croatia showcased his unique ability to bring a contemporary twist to classic stories, creating a seamless and captivating performance.
In recognition of his lifetime achievements, Davis received the esteemed BAFTA special lifetime achievement award in 2003 and was appointed CBE in 2005. Carl Davis’s marriage to actor Jean Boht, known for her role in Carla Lane’s sitcom Bread, was a cherished part of his life, and he leaves behind a loving family, including daughters Hannah and Jessie. The music world mourns the loss of this extraordinary talent, but his music and legacy will continue to resonate for generations to come.
What Happened To Carl Davis?
Carl Davis, a remarkable American-born conductor, and composer who had made the UK his home for over six decades, passed away in Oxford at the age of 86. Renowned for his exceptional musical talent, Davis was a BAFTA-winning composer with a diverse portfolio, including over 100 TV programs, original scores for silent movies in concert performances, and numerous ballet and concert works.
Among his most celebrated works were the iconic BBC TV series Pride & Prejudice (1995) featuring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle, as well as acclaimed movies like The French Lieutenant’s Woman (for which he received a BAFTA) starring Meryl Streep and Jeremy Irons, and Florence Foster Jenkins, with Streep in the lead.
Born in Brooklyn in 1936, Davis also lent his creative genius to the renowned UK documentary history series The World at War (1973) by Thames Television and conducted the BBC’s theme song for their coverage of the 2006 FIFA World Cup.
In the late 1970s, he was commissioned to compose music for the restored version of Abel Gance’s epic silent film Napoleon. As his reputation grew, he became the go-to composer for new scores accompanying silent films in the early ’90s. His music enhanced various DVD releases, including Ben-Hur, The Phantom Of The Opera, and Charlie Chaplin’s City Lights.
In a statement issued via his publisher Faber Music, Davis’s family expressed their heartbreak, announcing his passing due to a brain hemorrhage. They took pride in his remarkable impact on music, highlighting his pivotal role in reinventing silent movies for a new generation and crafting cherished scores for beloved British television dramas. A true maestro, Davis excelled as a conductor, composer of symphonic works, and a prominent writer for ballet productions.
Richard King, CEO of Faber Music, conveyed the company’s devastation at the loss of this musical giant. Davis had been an integral part of Faber Music’s roster since joining in 1990, leaving an indelible mark on the company. Their thoughts and sympathies were with Davis’s family during this difficult time.
In 1970, Davis married the talented actress Jean Boht, and they were blessed with two daughters and three grandchildren. The world mourns the loss of an extraordinary talent, but his enduring music and legacy will forever resonate in the hearts of music enthusiasts.
How Did Carl Davis Die?
Renowned American-born conductor and composer, Carl Davis CBE, has passed away at the age of 86 due to a brain hemorrhage. Having made the UK his home since 1961, Davis left an indelible mark on the world of music, particularly with his profound influence on the revival of silent films. He lent his remarkable talent to more than 50 silent film scores, and his exceptional compositions adorned some of Britain’s most cherished television dramas.
His musical brilliance graced iconic soundtracks, such as The World at War, the acclaimed 1995 adaptation of Jane Austen’s Pride and Prejudice starring Colin Firth, and the heartwarming 1998 film adaptation of Goodnight Mr. Tom. Additionally, Davis’s masterful touch was evident in the theme tune he crafted for the 2006 World Cup, a captivating arrangement of Handel’s See the Conquering Hero Comes.
Notably, his outstanding work on the 1981 film The French Lieutenant’s Woman earned him both a prestigious BAFTA and Ivor Novello Award, solidifying his position as a musical virtuoso.
One of Davis’s most significant collaborations was with none other than Sir Paul McCartney. Together, they composed the renowned Paul McCartney’s Liverpool Oratorio in 1991. This captivating eight-movement piece was recorded live to commemorate the 150th anniversary of Classic FM’s Orchestra in the North-West of England, the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. Davis conducted the splendid performance, and the oratorio marked McCartney’s successful entry into the classical music realm.
Sandra Parr, the Artistic Planning Director of RLPO, fondly remembered Davis as a warm and open individual who introduced many to the world of music, especially in Liverpool. His absence leaves a profound void, and he will be deeply missed by all.
In an official statement, Davis’s family expressed their heartfelt gratitude to the paramedics and the Neurological ICU Team at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford for their assistance during this difficult time. With heavy hearts, they announced the passing of Carl Davis CBE, recognizing his astonishing impact on the world of music as his enduring legacy.
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Categories: General
Source: HIS Education