Howard Blake is increasingly recognised for his classical works including concertos, oratorios, ballets, operas and many instrumental pieces.
10 Facts About Howard Blake
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Howard Blake was born in London and grew up in Brighton.
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Howard Blake's mother played piano and violin, and his father sang tenor in the church choir.
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Howard Blake virtually stopped composing, instead becoming interested in film, and on leaving the Academy briefly worked as a film projectionist at the National Film Theatre.
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Missing music, Howard Blake played the piano in pubs and clubs for a couple of years until being discovered and signed by EMI to make a solo album and work as a session musician on many recordings.
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Howard Blake is a Fellow of the Royal Academy of Music and, in 1994, received the OBE for services to music.
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On 20 October 2010 Howard Blake was presented a BASCA Gold Badge Award for outstanding work within the music industry.
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In 1980, Howard Blake was commissioned to write an orchestral music score for Flash Gordon, in collaboration with rock band Queen who were to record the soundtrack album.
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Howard Blake was given ten days to produce the results, and after completion fell ill with pneumonia brought on by exhaustion.
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Howard Blake recovered, and he and Queen were jointly nominated for a BAFTA Award.