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The composer of The Snowman has slammed the BBC's 'vile desecration' of his work after it created a version without instruments to be aired on radio this Christmas.
Howard Blake said he threatened to withdraw his permission for a remake of the classic film after being told the broadcaster had recruited producer Jonathan Manners to replicate the sounds of instruments with a choir, a technique known as 'vocalise'.
The 82-year-old believes the much loved story - which tells of a boy who made a snowman which comes to life - cannot be properly told without instrumental accompaniment.
Howard Blake said he threatened to withdraw his permission for a remake of the classic film after being told the broadcaster had recruited producer Jonathan Manners to replicate the sounds of instruments with a choir, a technique known as 'vocalise'
He told The Daily Telegraph: 'This lad [Mr Manners] is really trying to make a name for himself but I have told him: ''What you have done to my music is a desecration, it is absolutely vile.'''
Mr Blake said he was originally approached by Mr Manners last August, who told him he wanted to swap out instruments for 'vocalise' after hearing a choir sing Walking in the Air at St Albans Cathedral.
Initially the composer refused, but relented when he was told the new arrangement had sparked interest from the royal family.
'When I refused, Jonathan
