Anthony Hopkins signs record deal as a composer

Oscar-winning actor Anthony Hopkins has signed a record deal with Decca Classics as a composer and will release his first album on August 21.

The 88-year-old is publishing a collection of pieces that he has worked on for six decades, titled Life Is a Dream. 

Playing piano since the age of four and composing music since childhood, his upcoming album is "inspired by his childhood memories of Margam in South Wales," according to Decca.

'Bracken Road', the first single, has been released today, July 10 and is "a nostalgic musical portrait of the streets, meadows, farmland and mountains that surrounded his family home in the 1940s."

The 12-track album will include 'My Fatherland', and other compositions that pull from his memories of Port Talbot and the people closest to him.

Hopkins' music is performed by the Philharmonia Orchestra, featuring virtuoso soloists such as cellist Gregorio Nieto and classical pianist Sergio Tiempo, with Grammy winner Gustavo Dudamel as conductor.

Hopkins has said that working with Dudamel has been "an integral part of this musical journey."

"Music was my first desire, my first wish, I've been composing music all my life," Hopkins said in a statement. "Signing with Decca is the honor of a lifetime."

Laura Monks, the President of Decca in a statement, "It is such a privilege to have the great Sir Anthony Hopkin join Decca Classics,"

"Hearing his incredible compositions come to life at the recording sessions in London with Gustavo Dudamel and the Philharmonia Orchestra was a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we are excited to bring to the world."

Listen to 'Bracken Road' below: