Anthony Phillips & Harry Williamson

The Profile

Collaborative duo of English guitarist Anthony Phillips (founding member of Genesis) and composer Harry Williamson, known for orchestral/symphonic works including Tarka and Gypsy Suite.

Tarka was written in 1975 and released in 1988; originally conceived as a soundtrack to Henry Williamson’s 1927 novel Tarka the Otter; recorded with the National Philharmonic Orchestra; four movements totaling about 50 minutes; contributors include Guy Evans (Van der Graaf) and Didier Malherbe (Gong). Anthony Phillips co-founded Genesis and left during the Nursery Cryme sessions in 1970.

A highly enthusiastic review hails Tarka as a long-overlooked masterpiece. Composed by Anthony Phillips and Harry Williamson in 1975 and released in 1988, it was conceived as a soundtrack to Henry Williamson’s Tarka the Otter. Orchestrated with the National Philharmonic, it spans four movements (~50 minutes) and features Guy Evans and Didier Malherbe. The piece is praised for breadth, harmony, and a moving finale, The Anthem.