Carl Davis CBE
Born in New York in 1936. He is a conductor with the London Philharmonic Orchestra and the Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra. In 1991 his first collaboration with Paul McCartney produced the Liverpool Oratorio, now being performed in many countries throughout the world.
In 1980 Davis was commissioned to create music for Hollywood: A Celebration of the American Silent Film. His association with them continued with Abel Gance's epic silent film Napoléon (originally 1927), which was restored and expanded with Davis' music for cinematic release. There was a similar treatment for D. W. Griffith's Intolerance: Love's Struggle Through The Ages (originally 1916). By 1993, his reputation made him the number one choice for new scores to silent films: Ben-Hur (1925), Safety Last (1923), Chaplin's City Lights (1931) and Erich von Stroheim's Greed (1924), all used Davis' music. In many of these recordings he is the conductor as well the composer.
Is photography a fine art?
Yes, I believe so.
What photographs do you treasure?
A photo of me conducting the Abel Gance five hour masterpiece Napoleon with the amazing triptych on the screen.
Would you buy an individual photograph or visit a gallery to especially see a photographic exhibition - if so why?
Yes, I would. I believe photography is a great art, for instance, Brassai was a wonderful artist.
What photographers do you know or admire?
I like Jane Bown; Brassai as above; Henri Cartier-Bresson; Capa; Bill Brandt – so you see, I like the poetic and socially conscious.
Is photography important in your work?
Yes, as I am dealing with film all the time which is an extension of photography, I would say that I am locked into visuals.
Do you like being photographed yourself?
It varies. I am best not posing and in the middle of an action, otherwise my face tends to seize up!
Do you take photographs (if so - of what)?
No.
Do you own a [favourite] camera?
No.
What type of [photographic] picture means the most to you?
Well… as I am very eclectic in my musical tastes, so I am in photography. It just has to be a telling shot.
Have you ever sat in a instant-photo booth - if so - what for?
Passport photos only!
Visitors Comments:
a real star