Carl Davis Obituary, and Death Cause: What Happened to Bafta-winning Composer?
Carl Davis, the prolific composer who created memorable scores for film, television, and stage, passed away on August 3, 2023 at the age of 86. He died of a brain hemorrhage, according to his family. He is survived by his wife, actress Jean Boht, their two daughters, and three grandchildren.
Davis was born in Brooklyn, New York, but moved to the UK in 1961. He had a long and distinguished career that spanned various genres and media. He was best known for his Bafta-winning score for The French Lieutenant’s Woman (1981), starring Meryl Streep and Jeremy Irons, and his music for the BBC adaptation of Pride and Prejudice (1995), featuring Colin Firth and Jennifer Ehle.
Carl Davis’ Early Life & Background
Davis showed an early interest in music and studied composition at Bard College and the Juilliard School. He worked as a jazz pianist and arranger before moving to England, where he became involved in the avant-garde music scene. He collaborated with artists such as John Lennon, Yoko Ono and Paul McCartney, with whom he co-wrote The Liverpool Oratorio in 1991.
Davis also composed music for theatre, ballet and opera. He wrote scores for plays by Harold Pinter, Tom Stoppard and David Hare, among others. He created four full-length dance works in the last seven years of his life, including Nijinsky (2016), Chaplin, The Tramp (2019) and The Great Gatsby (2019).
One of his most notable achievements was his contribution to the revival of silent cinema. He composed new scores for dozens of silent films, such as The Phantom of the Opera (1925), Ben-Hur (1925) and The General (1926). He also wrote a monumental score for Abel Gance’s Napoléon (1927), which he conducted live at several screenings around the world.
A Master of Mood and Emotion
Davis had a remarkable ability to capture the mood and emotion of a story with his music. He could create sweeping melodies, dramatic tension, subtle nuances and comic relief with equal skill. He was adept at blending different musical styles and influences, from classical to jazz to pop.
His music enhanced the visual impact and emotional resonance of many films and TV shows. His score for The French Lieutenant’s Woman added a layer of complexity and ambiguity to the dual narrative of the film. His music for Pride and Prejudice complemented the period setting and the romantic chemistry of the characters.
Davis received many accolades and honors for his work. He won a Bafta, an Ivor Novello Award, a Royal Television Society Award and a Classic Brit Award. He was appointed Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE) in 2005.
Carl Davis’ Wife, Children & Family
Davis was not only a talented musician, but also a loving family man. He married Jean Boht in 1970 and they had two daughters, Hannah and Jessie. He was a devoted father and grandfather who enjoyed spending time with his three grandchildren, Molly, Fred and Alice.
His family described him as “a consummate all-round musician” who had “an astonishing impact on music”. They also thanked the paramedics who assisted him and the neurological ICU team at the John Radcliffe Hospital in Oxford.
Davis will be remembered as one of the most versatile and influential composers of his generation. His music will continue to inspire and delight audiences for years to come.
| Name | Carl Davis |
|---|---|
| Born | October 28, 1936 |
| Died | August 3, 2023 |
| Age | 86 |
| Cause of death | Brain hemorrhage |
| Occupation | Composer, conductor |
| Spouse | Jean Boht |
| Children | Hannah Davis, Jessie Davis |
| Grandchildren | Molly Davis, Fred Davis, Alice Davis |
| Awards | Bafta Award, Ivor Novello Award, Royal Television Society Award, Classic Brit Award |
- Some of his famous works include:
- The French Lieutenant’s Woman (1981)
- Pride and Prejudice (1995)
- The World at War (1973-1974)
- Cranford (2007)
- The Liverpool Oratorio (1991)
- Napoléon (1927)
