Freddie Phillips

Freddie Phillips (d. October 4, 2003 in Ewell, Surrey) was a British musician and composer, best known for his work on television theme music, particularly the children's programmes, Camberwick Green, Trumpton and Chigley.

Mainly a classical guitarist, Phillips worked and performed in the fields of opera and ballet, including with The Royal Ballet, and with the BBC Symphony Orchestra. His television career began with providing musical scores for a pair of short films by Lotte Reiniger, and composing short pieces for use in television continuity. [http://www.offthetelly.co.uk/childrens/watchwithmother/part4.htm OFF THE TELLY: Children's/Of Finger Mice and Mr Men ] ] Around this time he began his involvement with the animator Gordon Murray, firstly with A Rubovian Legend, and later the Trumptonshire trilogy of children's TV programmes. Phillips wrote individual songs for the characters in the latter programmes, as well as the theme music. The songs were sung by Brian Cant.

Phillips also provided many of the sound effects for the programmes, and was noted for his experimental attitude towards creating the sounds he wanted, including use of an early multitrack recording system, reverb, and adjustment of tape speed to create different effects.

Many of Phillips' recordings were made available as vinyl records, particularly the Trumptonshire and Rubovia series.

Filmography

*"Prince Achmed" (1954 - revision of the original 1926 film by Lotte Reiniger)
*"The Gallant Little Tailor" (1957)
*"Peeping Tom" (1960)
*"A Rubovian Legend" or "Rubovia" (1955-60)
*"Camberwick Green" (1966)
*"Man in a Suitcase" (1967 - one episode "The Man Who Stood Still")
*"Trumpton" (1967)
*"Chigley" (1969)
*"The Legend of Goblins" (1977)

References

External links

* [http://www.telegoons.org/rubovia/Bios/Bio_FP.htm Biography of Freddie Phillips]
* [http://www.t-web.co.uk/trump_fp.htm Interview with Freddie Phillips, 1999]