Howard Blake – The Snowman / The Story Of The Snowman

Howard Blake – The Snowman / The Story Of The Snowman

Originally released in 1983 on CBS, Howard Blake’s The Snowman / The Story Of The Snowman is the classic vinyl album accompanying the much-loved animated adaptation of Raymond Briggs’ beloved Christmas story. The original film first appeared on television in 1982, becoming an enduring part of British Christmas culture, with Blake composing, orchestrating and conducting the complete orchestral score.

The album combines the complete story, narrated by the unmistakable Bernard Cribbins, with the full soundtrack to the film. Side A presents “The Story Of The Snowman”, bringing Raymond Briggs’ magical tale to life through Cribbins’ narration and Blake’s music, while Side B contains the complete film soundtrack, performed by the Sinfonia of London under Blake’s direction.

At the heart of the soundtrack is “Walking In The Air”, Blake’s instantly recognisable Christmas song, originally sung in the film by St Paul’s Cathedral chorister Peter Auty. The song has gone on to become one of the most recognisable pieces of British Christmas music, while The Snowman itself received an Academy Award nomination and won the BAFTA TV Award for Best Children’s Film in 1983.

This original UK CBS edition, catalogue CBS 71116, was issued as a distinctive gatefold LP featuring artwork from the animated film, making it particularly appealing as both a soundtrack and a nostalgic Christmas collectible. The contemporary CBS advertising described it as combining the film soundtrack, “Walking In The Air” and Bernard Cribbins’ narration in one album.

Side A

• Bernard Cribbins Narrates The Story Of The Snowman

Side B

• The Complete Sound Track Of The Film