Anthony Hopkins: Life Is a Dream album review – easy on the ear melodies written from the heart

<p><strong>Philharmonia Orchestra/Dudamel<br>(Decca)<br></strong>There’s a cinematic flourish to many of Hopkins’ compositions, together with fine arrangements of Welsh tunes and pieces dedicated to family</p><p>Anthony Hopkins has, it turns out, has been composing music all his life. Now, at the age of 88, the Welsh-born Hollywood actor makes his Decca debut, securing the services of LA Philharmonic’s <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/may/26/los-angeles-philharmonic-daniel-harding-new-music-director">outgoing music director</a> Gustavo Dudamel to bring his music to life.</p><p>So, what does an Oscar winner sound like? Not surprisingly, there’s a significant cinematic influence, inspired by the music that caught the attention of a lad growing up in Margam, a suburb of Port Talbot. The opening Fanfare and March is a catchy, Technicolor splash, like everything here harmonious and written from the heart. Ditto the Khachaturian-flavoured Two Pieces for Orchestra. Welsh roots are honoured too: My Fatherland, featuring six traditional tunes, four sung in Welsh, would not seem out of place at the Last Night of the Proms.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/music/2026/aug/21/anthony-hopkins-life-is-a-dream-album-review-philharmonia-dudamel">Continue reading...</a>