Still with the music : my autobiography

The long-awaited memoir of one of the world’s most popular contemporary classical composers

The Welsh musician Karl Jenkins is the UK's most popular contemporary composer, and one of the world’s most critically acclaimed musicians. His fascinating story covers one of the most versatile careers in modern music. In this highly entertaining memoir, Jenkins gives an insight into the creative process behind the music that has touched so many across the globe. Having studied at the Royal Academy of Music, Jenkins became known as a jazz musician before going on to join legendary progressive rock band Soft Machine, of which he was a key member in the 1970s. Then, in the 1980s, he achieved huge success in the world of advertising, composing for brands such as Levi’s, BA, Renault, Volvo, De Beers, Tag Heuer, and Pepsi. But it was in 1994 that his immensely successful project Adiemus: Songs of Sanctuary propelled him to international stardom. Combining a classical music style with an invented language, ethnic vocals, and percussion, the composition struck a chord with listeners the world over, reaching the top of the charts in many countries. Jenkins has since gone from strength to strength, forming a huge international following. He is that rare thing: a contemporary classical composer with enormous popular appeal, and one of Britain’s national treasures. For all music fans, this will be a must read.