Anthony Hopkins releases second album of classical music, longing for a lost Wales

Veteran actor Anthony Hopkins, now 88, has released his second album of self-composed classical music, "Life is a Dream." The collection, released on the renowned Decca Classics label, offers a glimpse into the actor's lifelong passion for composing, a lesser-known facet of his celebrated career.

The music on "Life is a Dream" is characterized by cinematic moods and gentle melodies, drawing inspiration from various sources, including Hopkins's childhood in Port Talbot, Wales, and his wife, Stella. The album evokes a profound sense of "hiraeth," a uniquely Welsh word that encapsulates a deep, nostalgic longing for a lost homeland, a sentiment Hopkins appears to carry in his Hollywood exile.

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Life is a dream, but the one who appreciates cinematic moods and mild melodies has much to gain.

Hopkins openly acknowledges his musical influences, citing composers such as Elgar, Vaughan Williams, and Khachaturian. The resulting soundscape is often described as melancholic, pastoral, and grand, featuring both choral and boys' choir arrangements. One particular piece, a "sadly melting waltz," was previously recorded by Dutch violinist André Rieu fifteen years ago.

While the album is not deemed "remarkable" by critics, it offers much for listeners who appreciate cinematic atmospheres and mild melodies. The Philharmonia Orchestra, under the inspired direction of Gustavo Dudamel, provides the musical accompaniment. Notably, a portion of the proceeds from the album will be donated to earthquake-stricken Venezuela, adding a humanitarian dimension to the release.

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a kind of nostalgic longing for a lost Wales