Charles Williams (composer) facts for kids

Charles Williams (born May 8, 1893 – died September 7, 1978) was a talented British composer and conductor. He created music for more than 50 films! Even though he worked from 1934 to 1968, much of his film music was used as "stock music." This means it was pre-made music used in many different films, so he often didn't get credit for it.

About Charles Williams

Charles Williams was born in London in 1893. His birth name was Isaac Cozerbreit. He started his music journey as a violinist. He played in theaters, movie houses, and big orchestras. Later, he learned how to compose music at the Royal Academy of Music. In 1933, he began working for Gaumont British Films as a composer. He wrote music for many British movies and radio shows. After World War II, he became the conductor of the new Queen's Hall Light Orchestra. He also created his own Concert Orchestra. Charles Williams passed away in Findon Valley, West Sussex, when he was 85 years old.

Famous Light Music Songs

Charles Williams wrote many orchestral pieces and marches. These were part of a style called "light music" or "mood music." In the 1950s, many of his songs became well-known themes for movies and TV shows. Here are some of his most famous pieces:

• "Blue Devils" is a popular march. It was Williams' first big hit as a composer. It was first called "The Kensington March" and written for the opening of the Odeon in Kensington in 1926.
• "Devil's Galop" became the exciting theme song for the radio show Dick Barton.
• "The Young Ballerina" was used for The Potter's Wheel. This was a very famous short film shown on the BBC in the 1950s.
• "The Old Clockmaker" was chosen as the radio theme for Jennings at School.
• "Girls in Grey" was first written for the Women's Junior Air Corps during World War II. Later, it became the theme for the BBC Television Newsreel.
• "High Adventure" is still used today! It's the signature tune for BBC Radio 2's Friday Night is Music Night.
• "A Quiet Stroll" was used for the BBC Television's Farming program when it started in 1957.
• "Majestic Fanfare" (from 1935) was used by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC) for many years. It was the theme for their radio and TV news broadcasts, starting in 1952.

He also composed a popular piano piece called The Dream of Olwen. This was featured in the film While I Live.

Music for Movies

Charles Williams composed music for many films. Here are some of the movies he worked on:

• The Citadel – 1938
• Hey! Hey! USA – 1938
• Strange Boarders – 1938
• They Came by Night – 1940
• Tower of Terror – 1941
• My Wife's Family – 1941
• Kipps – 1941
• The Night Has Eyes – 1942
• The Young Mr. Pitt – 1942
• Women Aren't Angels – 1942
• Warn That Man – 1943
• Thursday's Child – 1943
• Medal for the General – 1944
• English Without Tears – 1944
• The Way to the Stars – 1945
• Carnival – 1946
• Quiet Weekend – 1946
• While I Live – 1947 (This film featured "The Dream of Olwen")
• The Romantic Age – 1949
• The Apartment – 1960 ("Jealous Lover," also known as "Theme from The Apartment," was used in this film)