The official website for the composer and
Highbridge Music, which publishes his works.
Highbridge Music Ltd.
Studio 6, 18 Kensington Court Place, London W8 5BJ, UK
Email: howard@howardblake.com
Featured Recordings
*MAKE BELIEVE op.358 (December 1985)
The song for the animated film 'Granpa'
Published by: Highbridge Music LtdInstrumentation: voice,pno
[Key to Abbreviations]
Note on Lyrics: Lyrics by Howard Blake
Duration: 4 mins
First Performance: Aled Jones and Howard as a surprise item in a concert at St. David's Hall, Cardiff, January 17, 1986
Sheet Music Available
Piano / Vocal score for saleRecordings Available
Recorded: June 1990
Artists: Sinfonietta for Brass - Desford Colliery Caterpillar Band. James Watson (principal conductor)
GRANPA CD CBS HB1 1988
VIDEO RELEASE
Notes
The inspiration for the song and for the score of 'Granpa' came from a New Year's Eve hospital visit to Howard's father with his daughter, then aged 6. Their relationship mirrored John Burningham's story of the little girl and her fast-fading grandfather and Howard had the idea of creating a theme which was a counter-melody to 'Auld Lang Syne', as a song of fond farewell. The song was later orchestrated and recorded by Sarah Brightman as part of the completed film score.
Performances
Related Works
'*GRANPA'
op.360
(February 1986)
(Audio Sample Available)
Score, songs and lyrics for a Channel 4 animated film featuring the voices of Peter Ustinov and Sarah Brightman. PRIX JEUNESSE INTERNATIONAL
Score, songs and lyrics for a Channel 4 animated film featuring the voices of Peter Ustinov and Sarah Brightman. PRIX JEUNESSE INTERNATIONAL
'*GRANPA'
op.393
(January 1988)
An animated children's opera (awarded the Prix Jeunesse International)
An animated children's opera (awarded the Prix Jeunesse International)
''GRANPA' ARRANGED FOR VOICES AND PIANO'
op.420
(1990)
The concert work based on the animated film, arranged for voice and piano by the composer
The concert work based on the animated film, arranged for voice and piano by the composer