Esteemed Conductor and Composer Carl Davis Passes Away at 86
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With a heavy heart, we share the news of the world's loss of award-winning composer and conductor Carl Davis, who leaves behind a remarkable legacy in the music industry that will live on for eternity.
Davis passed away on Thursday, aged 86, in Oxford after a brain haemorrhage.
His family announced, 'We are so proud that Carl's legacy will be his astonishing impact on music.'
'A consummate all-round musician, he was the driving force behind the reinvention of the silent movie for this generation, and he wrote scores for some of the most-loved and remembered British television dramas.'
The composer began his remarkable career in New York by writing and producing the off-Broadway revue Diversions in 1959, which led to an Emmy win in the same year.
But it was in the UK where Davis made his true mark—having travelled to the Edinburgh Festival in 1961, he made Britain his home and soon established himself as a mainstay amongst the country's film, tv, and theatre scene.
Just a few of his triumphs include music for the BBC’s 1995 drama Pride and Prejudice, the score of one of Britain's most successful documentary series, The World at War, narrated by Laurence Olivier and broadcast on the commercial network ITV, as well as his blockbuster score for the film The French Lieutenant's Woman in 1981.
The latter was so successful that it earned Davis a BAFTA award, equal to an Oscar in Britain. He was also especially notable for his musical revamping of over 50 silent films of the past, including classics by Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and Harold Lloyd.
In 1991, Davis teamed up with Paul McCartney to create The Liverpool Oratorio, a remarkable eight-movement piece inspired by McCartney's life. This masterpiece was composed in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.
Even in his 80s, Davis never stopped his creative journey and continued composing outstanding works. In the last seven years alone, he crafted four full-length dance productions: Nijinsky in 2016, Chaplin, The Tramp in 2019, The Great Gatsby in 2019, and most recently, Le Fantôme et Christine, which made its debut at the Shanghai Ballet in May 2023.
Credit: criterioncollection.
It wasn't just in the cinema and on the small screen where Davis achieved success; his works have been performed in symphonies and ballets all around the world. He was recognised for this incredible artistry in 2005 with a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II, appointing him as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
The CEO of Faber Music, Richard King, said of Davis, 'Carl was a central figure in our roster since his arrival in 1990, over half of the company's existence.'
'We are honoured and proud to have worked alongside such a compositional giant, and our thoughts are with Carl's family at this time.'
He is survived by his wife, actress Jean Boht, as well as their two daughters and three grandchildren.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Carl Davis. This serves as a gentle reminder to cherish the memories of our loved ones who have passed away and to continue sharing and preserving the wonderful legacy they have left behind.
Members, what do you think about this news? Which of his works do you find the most memorable? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
Davis passed away on Thursday, aged 86, in Oxford after a brain haemorrhage.
His family announced, 'We are so proud that Carl's legacy will be his astonishing impact on music.'
'A consummate all-round musician, he was the driving force behind the reinvention of the silent movie for this generation, and he wrote scores for some of the most-loved and remembered British television dramas.'
Carl Davis, the composer and conductor behind the scores for numerous award-winning British television shows and movies, has died. Credit: Facebook/Carl Davis Collection.
The composer began his remarkable career in New York by writing and producing the off-Broadway revue Diversions in 1959, which led to an Emmy win in the same year.
But it was in the UK where Davis made his true mark—having travelled to the Edinburgh Festival in 1961, he made Britain his home and soon established himself as a mainstay amongst the country's film, tv, and theatre scene.
Just a few of his triumphs include music for the BBC’s 1995 drama Pride and Prejudice, the score of one of Britain's most successful documentary series, The World at War, narrated by Laurence Olivier and broadcast on the commercial network ITV, as well as his blockbuster score for the film The French Lieutenant's Woman in 1981.
The latter was so successful that it earned Davis a BAFTA award, equal to an Oscar in Britain. He was also especially notable for his musical revamping of over 50 silent films of the past, including classics by Charlie Chaplin, Buster Keaton, and Harold Lloyd.
In 1991, Davis teamed up with Paul McCartney to create The Liverpool Oratorio, a remarkable eight-movement piece inspired by McCartney's life. This masterpiece was composed in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra.
Even in his 80s, Davis never stopped his creative journey and continued composing outstanding works. In the last seven years alone, he crafted four full-length dance productions: Nijinsky in 2016, Chaplin, The Tramp in 2019, The Great Gatsby in 2019, and most recently, Le Fantôme et Christine, which made its debut at the Shanghai Ballet in May 2023.
Credit: criterioncollection.
It wasn't just in the cinema and on the small screen where Davis achieved success; his works have been performed in symphonies and ballets all around the world. He was recognised for this incredible artistry in 2005 with a knighthood from Queen Elizabeth II, appointing him as a Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
The CEO of Faber Music, Richard King, said of Davis, 'Carl was a central figure in our roster since his arrival in 1990, over half of the company's existence.'
'We are honoured and proud to have worked alongside such a compositional giant, and our thoughts are with Carl's family at this time.'
He is survived by his wife, actress Jean Boht, as well as their two daughters and three grandchildren.
We extend our heartfelt condolences to the family and friends of Carl Davis. This serves as a gentle reminder to cherish the memories of our loved ones who have passed away and to continue sharing and preserving the wonderful legacy they have left behind.
Members, what do you think about this news? Which of his works do you find the most memorable? Please share your thoughts in the comments below.
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