Pride and Prejudice and BAFTA-winning composer Carl Davis dies aged 86 as tributes pour in
Carl Davis has died at the age of 86
PA
American-born composer Carl Davis died on Thursday following a brain haemorrhage.
His family issued a statement confirming the tragic news in which they said they were "heartbroken" by the loss.
Their statement reads: "We are so proud that Carl’s legacy will be his astonishing impact on music.
"A consummate all-round musician, he was the driving force behind the reinvention of the silent movie for this generation and he wrote scores for some of the most-loved and remembered British television dramas.
"He was a conductor and composer of symphonic works, as well as a notable writer for the ballet.
"In 2005 he was awarded a CBE (Hon). A beloved father, grandfather and husband, Carl married the actress Jean Boht in 1970.
Carl Davis and his wife Jean Boht pictured in 1991
PA
"They have two daughters, Hannah and Jessie and three grandchildren, Molly, Fred and Alice.
"The family would like to send their grateful thanks to the paramedics who assisted Carl and the neurological ICU team at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford," the statement concluded.
The composer's Twitter account announced the news with a black and white image of Davis alongside the words: "Carl Davis CBE 1936-2023."
Tributes soon flooded in from Davis' fans and friends who shared their condolences.
One fan penned in response: "Very sad news - I met Carl Davis when I was an A Level Music student.
"He was so encouraging to us as young musicians and composers, genuinely interested in our work - meeting him is something I’ll always remember. We’ve lost a great elder statesman of the world of music."
A second echoed: "I'm very sad to hear this. His scores for silent films were so inspired, clever and witty.
"They were a perfect fit, fleshing out the drama but never getting in the way and always complimenting the story. A real musical genius who knew how cinema worked. RIP."
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Carl Davis' Twitter account announced the news
TWITTER/CARL DAVIS
While a third added: "So sorry to hear this. My deepest condolences to his family and friends."
And a fourth weighed in: "Rest in peace Carl. So honored to have interviewed him back in 2012 about his work with Paul McCartney."
Davis bagged a Bafta and an Ivor Novello Award for his score to The French Lieutenant’s Woman in 1981.