1984 Dickens Christmas Carol film music

Subject: 1984 "A Christmas Carol" film musicians
From: Nerd
Date: 30 Dec 08 - 02:15 PM

Hi folks,

This year I watched the 1984 version of Dickens's A Christmas Carol, which is quite a good one and features a lot of music. I wonder if anyone knows who some of the musicians were; they're not in the credits, nor have they been identified by IMDB.

I remember a concertina player and a fiddler who seemed like they had a good grasp of folk style...plus a village band made up mostly of brass, and lots of singers doing carols.

The film was made on location in Shrewsbury, and had a great cast including George C. Scott, David Warner, Angela Pleasence, Roger Rees, Caroline Langrishe, and Edward Woodward.

Any 'catters perform in the film? Anyone know who the musicians are?

Subject: RE: 1984 Dickens Christmas Carol film music
From: Nerd
Date: 30 Dec 08 - 04:15 PM

I answered one part of my own question. Found this on John Kirkpatrick's website:

"Appeared in opening shots as a whistle-playing wait and a concertina-playing carol singer."

As a waite, he was photographed at a distance, and as a concertina player you only saw his hands...so I didn't recognize him!

Subject: RE: 1984 Dickens Christmas Carol film music
From: Ref
Date: 30 Dec 08 - 07:37 PM

Don't know the musicians. GREAT version of the story, though. I think I've seen it every year since '84 and now own the DVD.

Subject: RE: 1984 Dickens Christmas Carol film music
From: Nerd
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 01:18 PM

I have found a video on youtube. The fiddler I'm wondering about appears between 8:08 and 8:11 in this clip. Does anyone recognize him? He looks familiar, but I can't place him.

Subject: RE: 1984 Dickens Christmas Carol film music
From: GUEST,Dan Quinn
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 01:36 PM

I think its Roddy Skeaping.

DQ

Subject: RE: 1984 Dickens Christmas Carol film music
From: Nerd
Date: 31 Dec 08 - 03:40 PM

Thanks! He would be a logical person to ask, too, as an exponent of historical styles. Can anyone confirm that it's him?