Francis Charles Chacksfield was born in Battle, East Sussex, and as a child learned to play piano and organ. He appeared at Hastings Music Festivals by the time he was 14, and then became deputy church organist at Salehurst. After working for a short period in a solicitor's office he decided on a career in music, and by the late 1930s led a small band at Tonbridge in Kent. At the beginning of World War II he joined the Royal Corps of Signals, and, following a radio broadcast as a pianist, was posted to ENSA at Salisbury where he became the arranger for Stars In Battledress, an armed forces entertainment troupe, and shared an office with comedian Charlie Chester.[1][2]
After the war, he worked with Chester and on BBC Radio as an arranger and conductor. He also worked as musical director for both Henry Hall and Geraldo, and began recording under his own name in 1951 as "Frank Chacksfield's Tunesmiths". In early 1953 he had his first top ten hit, "Little Red Monkey", on the Parlophone label. This was a novelty recording featuring Jack Jordan on the clavioline, and reportedly the first record featuring an electronic instrument to feature on the UK pop chart.[citation needed] He signed a recording contract with Decca Records in 1953, and formed a 40-piece orchestra with a large string section, the "Singing Strings". His first record release for Decca, Charlie Chaplin's themes for his film Limelight, won him a Gold Disc in the USA, and in Britain, where it reached #2 in the charts, won him the New Musical Express award as Record of the Year. His next 78 single, "Ebb Tide", became the first British instrumental recording to reach #1 in some American charts, providing a second Gold Disc, and he was voted the most promising new orchestra of the year in the US.[1]
He became one of Britain's most well known orchestra leaders internationally, and is estimated to have sold more than 20 million albums worldwide.[2] His material was "mood music", similar to that of Mantovani, including ballads, waltzes, and movie themes.[3] In 1954 he began presenting a series on BBC TV, which continued occasionally until the early 1960s. Chacksfield was responsible for the musical arrangement of the first UK entry into the Eurovision Song Contest 1957; "All" by Patricia Bredin.[citation needed] He continued to write music, release singles and albums through the 1950s and 1960s, and appeared regularly on BBC radio.[2]
He continued to record occasionally until the 1990s, from the 1970s primarily on the Phase 4 label.[1] He also developed business interests in publishing and recorded for Starborne Productions, a company supplying "canned music" for use by easy listening radio stations and others. Many of these recordings were made commercially available in 2007. His last album was Thanks for the Memories (Academy Award Winners 1934-55), released in 1991.[1] Chacksfield died in Kent in 1995, after having suffered for several years from Parkinson's Disease.[2]
His song, "Après Ski", was featured in the 2006 video game Saint's Row for the Xbox 360.[4]
Theme from Limelight
Frank Chacksfield Orchestra Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I looked at you and somehow I knew
On a day for singing,
My heart went winging
A picnic grove was our rendezvous
You and I in the sunshine
We strolled the fields amd farms
At the last light of evening,
So when days grow stormy
And lonely for me
I just recall picnic time and you.
The lyrics of Frank Chacksfield's Theme from Picnic/Moonglow Introduction depict a romantic and lovely experience on a picnic day. The singer describes how, on a seemingly regular picnic day, they suddenly realized their strong feelings for their partner. As they walked through fields and farms, their hearts were filled with joy and love. And as the evening fell, they found themselves holding each other, lost in the beauty of the moment. The song suggests that no matter how tumultuous life can be, recalling this wonderful time spent together fills the singer's heart with love and hope.
The lyrics of Theme from Picnic/Moonglow Introduction are a beautiful portrayal of love and romance. The song reminds us of the simple joys of life, like spending time with someone we care about in a beautiful natural setting. It also highlights the importance of cherishing these moments and holding onto their memory during difficult times. Overall, the song serves a romantic and sentimental piece that resonates with anyone who has experienced the warmth and love of a beautiful picnic with a loved one.
Line by Line Meaning
On a picnic morning without a warning
One fine morning during a picnic, unexpectedly
I looked at you and somehow I knew
I gazed at you and instinctively sensed something
On a day for singing,
One of those bright and sunny days, perfect for singing
My heart went winging
My heart soared and sang
A picnic grove was our rendezvous
We arranged to meet at a grove for our picnic date
You and I in the sunshine
Both of us were in the bright sun
We strolled the fields and farms
We leisurely walked around the countryside
At the last light of evening,
As the sun began to set
I held you in my arms
I embraced and held you tightly
So when days grow stormy
When days become difficult and turbulent
And lonely for me
And I feel lost and alone
I just recall picnic time and you.
I remember fondly our picnic, and the moments shared together.
Lyrics © Warner/Chappell Music, Inc., SHAPIRO BERNSTEIN & CO. INC.
Written by: GEORGE W DUNING
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind