GEORGE FENTON: THE OSCAR-NOMINATED COMPOSER’S SECRET ROCK ‘N’ ROLL PAST
George Fenton CBE, the legendary composer behind some of the biggest film and TV themes, reveals a surprising secret from his past. In an exclusive interview, Fenton admits that he nearly became a member of a progressive rock band. Growing up in the 1960s, Fenton’s passion for rock ‘n’ roll led him to join a group called Whistler. Although their 1969 album went unnoticed, they achieved posthumous success with a number one hit in Sweden, a cover of The Beatles’ Maxwell’s Silver Hammer. Fenton’s love for rock ‘n’ roll is evident in his iconic movie scores, including Gandhi, Cry Freedom, Groundhog Day, and You’ve Got Mail.
A VISUAL COMPOSER: THE ARTISTRY BEHIND FENTON’S MUSIC
Fenton describes himself as a visual composer, drawing inspiration from the visual elements of a project. He first began writing music for the theatre, where he learned the importance of music in relation to other elements. This approach has made him a sought-after composer for hit TV shows such as Bergerac, Omnibus, Telly Addicts, and Newsnight. However, Fenton admits that his most challenging task was creating the jingle for Radio 4’s daily PM programme. Without a visual image to guide him, Fenton struggled to find the right inspiration. Nevertheless, his dedication to his craft drives him to invest in each project, ensuring that his music perfectly complements the visuals.
A CREATIVE UPBRINGING: THE ROOTS OF FENTON’S MUSICAL JOURNEY
Fenton’s musical journey began in his childhood home. Born George Hawes in Bromley, Kent, in 1949, he later changed his name to Fenton to pursue his passion for acting. His parents, a mechanical engineer and a nurse, fostered a creative environment where music thrived. Fenton’s mother played the piano while his father, a big band jazz enthusiast, accompanied her on drums. This early exposure to music and the support of his family ignited Fenton’s passion for the arts. He recalls his father’s wish for him to excel in rugby and his mother’s dream of him becoming a great actor. Despite their aspirations, Fenton’s love for music, particularly influenced by The Beatles, took center stage.
GEORGE FENTON: A LEGACY OF MUSIC AND INSPIRATION
George Fenton’s talent as a composer is undeniable. With five Oscar nominations to his name, he has left an indelible mark on the world of film and TV. From his early days as a guitarist in a prog rock band to his iconic movie scores, Fenton’s passion for music shines through in every note. As a visual composer, he understands the power of music to enhance storytelling and captivate audiences. With each project, Fenton invests his time and creativity, ensuring that his music becomes an integral part of the experience. His journey from a small town in Kent to the grand stages of Hollywood is a testament to his talent, dedication, and the support of those who believed in him.
Privately educated at St Edward’s in Oxford, George Fenton, known for his work as a composer in film and television, had a rebellious streak. Despite attending the prestigious alma mater of actors Laurence Olivier and Emilia Clarke, he defied his parents’ wishes and opted out of university. In the late 1960s, Fenton embraced the carefree spirit of the era, where life was inexpensive and one could easily rent a flat in central London.
After bouncing around in various unfulfilling jobs, Fenton stumbled upon an opportunity to work for director Carl Davis in 1968. This led him to a role in the Alan Bennett play Forty Years On. Although he modestly admits to having appeared in a few productions, Fenton doesn’t consider himself a true actor.
Throughout his career, Fenton’s music has graced both the big and small screens. His diverse range of talents allowed him to work as a session musician, a driver, and a musical chart writer. In 1974, he even composed the music for a Royal Shakespeare Company production of Twelfth Night, directed by Peter Gill. Fenton fondly recalls Gill as the person who gave him his first television job and opened Riverside Studios as a theatre.
Fenton’s big break came when he crossed paths with young director Michael Attenborough during the production of The Cherry Orchard at Riverside in 1978. Attenborough expressed interest in recording Fenton’s music and playing it for his father, Sir Richard Attenborough. This encounter led to Fenton co-creating the soundtrack for Attenborough’s critically acclaimed film, Gandhi, in 1982.
Throughout the years, Fenton’s talent and dedication earned him numerous accolades. He received five Oscar nominations, three Baftas, two Emmys, three Golden Globe nominations, two Grammy nominations, five Ivor Novellos, and five BMI awards. However, Fenton never pursued projects as mere stepping stones for his career. He only worked on projects he felt a genuine desire to be a part of, which is why he returned from America when he did.
In the 1990s, Fenton’s success with scoring TV shows like An Englishman Abroad and The Jewel In The Crown made him highly sought after in Hollywood. However, he found himself questioning whether he wanted to spend his life composing scores for predictable films like Father Of The Bride Part 12. It was then that nature documentarian Alastair Fothergill reached out to Fenton with an exciting opportunity to write music for a project. That project turned out to be The Blue Planet, a groundbreaking series that captivated audiences worldwide.
Fenton’s decision to work on The Blue Planet marked a turning point in his career. It allowed him to break away from the predictable Hollywood scene and explore new creative avenues. The phone call from Fothergill left Fenton intrigued and excited about the possibilities that lay ahead.
Paul McCartney, the legendary musician and former member of The Beatles, recently revealed that he has considered composing music solely for his own enjoyment. At the age of 74, McCartney reflects on whether he should focus on creating music for himself rather than for a wider audience.
In a candid interview, McCartney admitted, “Yeah, I sometimes flirt with that thought and there are a couple of things I’m supposed to be considering doing in that way.” He envisions a scenario where he can fully indulge in his creative process, saying, “If somebody brought me my dinner every evening and I got up in the morning and after a walk around the garden, sat and wrote for the day, I could imagine those ambitions descending on me.”
However, the bustling city life of London, where McCartney currently resides, seems to hinder his ability to fully embrace this idea. He explained, “But living in London, charging around all the time, I don’t feel I’m in the right space to do that.” It seems that the constant activity and demands of his daily life prevent him from dedicating himself solely to his personal musical pursuits.
McCartney’s revelation comes after he made the decision to cancel a movie project and return to his hometown of London, much to the dismay of his American agent. This shift in focus suggests that McCartney may be prioritizing his own happiness and creative fulfillment over external pressures and obligations.
As one of the most influential musicians of all time, McCartney’s desire to create music for himself serves as a reminder that even iconic figures in the industry seek personal satisfaction and fulfillment through their art. While fans may eagerly await new releases from this musical legend, McCartney’s contemplation of composing for himself highlights the importance of self-expression and artistic freedom.
