Anthony Hopkins has announced his first album, after signing with record label Decca Classics.
‘Life Is A Dream’ is released on August 21, and features orchestral music composed by the two-time Oscar winner over six decades. The debut single, ‘Bracken Road’, is released today (July 10) and can be listened to below. It is said to be inspired by memories of his childhood in Margram in South Wales in the 1940s. Hopkins wrote the piece in 1963 while working as an actor at the Liverpool Playhouse. His music is performed by conductor Gustavo Dudamel and the Philharmonia Orchestra.
“Music was my first desire, my first wish, I’ve been composing music all my life,” the actor said in a statement (via The Guardian). “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.”
He continued: “It has been a true privilege to collaborate with the distinguished Philharmonia Orchestra and the virtuoso soloists, cellist Gregorio Nieto and classical pianist Sergio Tiempo. My deepest gratitude and respect go to maestro Gustavo Dudamel, whose artistry is an integral part of this musical journey.”
“With the graceful precision of his baton, he transformed each note with profound and indelible meaning, creating a pictorial landscape that invites the listener to feel and imagine something uniquely personal.”
Late last year, Hopkins opened up about his 20-year estrangement from his daughter Abigail. Claiming that “I did what I could”, he said: “You have to acknowledge one thing: that we are imperfect. We’re not saints. We’re all sinners and saints or whatever we are. We do the best we can. Life is painful.”
Earlier that year, Hopkins’ house was destroyed by the L.A. wildfires that spread through the city in January. The actor confirmed that he and his family were safe, stating: “the only thing we take with us is the love we give.”