Peter Maxwell Davies
b. 1934
Snapshot
English Deutsch
Peter Maxwell Davies is one of the most significant figures in post-War European music * Rose to prominence in late 1960s with neo-expressionistic music-theatre pieces Eight Songs for a Mad King and Vesalii Icones, orchestra scores Worldes Blis and St Thomas Wake, and opera Taverner * Many works composed for distinctive chamber sextet of Fires of London * Since the 1970s, worklist includes Trumpet Concerto, 8 Symphonies, and 10 Strathclyde Concertos written for the Scottish Chamber Orchestra * Many works for young performers * Active as conductor, both of his own works and standard repertoire* Appointed Master of the Queen's Music in 2004
Works by Peter Maxwell Davies include:
Eight Songs for a Mad King (1969) Music-theatre work for male singer and ensemble
An Orkney Wedding, with Sunrise (1985) for orchestra or chamber orchestra and Highland pipes
Symphony No.5 (1994) for orchestra
Looking Ahead: new concert overture Ebb of Winter for premiere by Scottish Chamber Orchestra (8 Nov); further CD recordings of concertos reissued on Naxos label; new touring production of Eight Songs for a Mad King by Music Theatre Wales (Mar-Jul)
"...vivid theatricality and a musical idiom that combines medieval mysticism, modernist rigour and happy accessibility." — New York Times
For information on Maxwell Davies works available from other publishers please visit the composer's website at www.maxopus.com
For information on Maxwell Davies works available from other publishers please visit the composer's website at www.maxopus.com
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As we approach the centenary of the First World War (1914-18), explore music suitable for commemorative features.
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