Peter Maxwell Davies (1934-2016)

[Karl Henning]

The only thing that ever really grabbed me was Eight Songs for a Mad King, and that was when I was at school about 45 years ago.

That is practically the only PMD piece I know, introduced to me decades ago when I was an undergrad, so I do feel I owe it to the composer to listen to more.

[foxandpeng]

I applaud you, and it's certainly inspired me to take another shot at PMD's music, so thanks for that.

Thank you 😊

[Luke]

That is practically the only PMD piece I know, introduced to me decades ago when I was an undergrad, so I do feel I owe it to the composer to listen to more.

I urge The Lighthouse on you, it's both a fabulously effective piece and his style at its most complete and communicative.

[Luke]

Have not seen it with this introductory film before. I think that is the real Flannan Isle PMD is on, not just a random island with a lighthouse.

[Karl Henning]

Have not seen it with this introductory film before. I think that is the real Flannan Isle PMD is on, not just a random island with a lighthouse.

Cheers!

[Karl Henning]

Have not seen it with this introductory film before. I think that is the real Flannan Isle PMD is on, not just a random island with a lighthouse.

Very much enjoyed this intro, thanks!

[relm1]

[Karl Henning]

Most interesting, thanks! Not merely interesting, but illuming.

[relm1]

Most interesting, thanks! Not merely interesting, but illuming.

I must also say, I was surprised that Dudley Moore who I only knew as a comedian was once known as a composer!!

[Luke]

He was a really talented musician, especially as a jazz pianist.

[Karl Henning]

He was a really talented musician, especially as a jazz pianist.

On one hand, he was cosmically under-utilized in Arthur. On t'other, hopefully it was a decent paycheck. Ditto, Sir Jn Gielgud.

[Pohjolas Daughter]

I must also say, I was surprised that Dudley Moore who I only knew as a comedian was once known as a composer!!

Ditto!

PD

[Mandryka]

I agree that the challenge is less the dissonance than the structure. Dissonance is fine. I also have no grasp on PMD's approach to structure; I find the symphonies to be a linear journey into unpredictability, frankly, with no way to determine why PMD takes the music where he does. It seems chaotic to me, with no meaningful structural overlay. I suspect that is a lack in my own understanding of how this sort of music is put together from a technical perspective, so it is more challenging for me than it might be for others.

As for An Orkney Wedding, with Sunrise, I really like this piece. It is obviously far more accessible than the symphonies, and although not as immediately beautiful as Farewell to Stromness, has enough lyricism and attractiveness to be a welcome listening interlude . PMD says it is unashamedly programme music:

"At the outset, we hear the guests arriving, out of extremely bad weather, at the hall. This is followed by the processional, where the guests are solemnly received by the bride and bridegroom, and presented with their first glass of whisky. The band tunes up, and we get on with the dancing proper. This becomes ever wilder, as all concerned feel the results of the whisky, until the lead fiddle can hardly hold the band together any more. We leave the hall into the cold night, with echoes of the processional music in our ears, and as we walk home across the island, the sun rises, over Caithness, to a glorious dawn. The sun is represented by the highland bagpipes, in full traditional splendour."

I'm back to the 7th quartet, which is clearly a very interesting piece of music - I'm now wondering whether it's more like a series of 7 separate pieces than a cycle.

[foxandpeng]

I'm back to the 7th quartet, which is clearly a very interesting piece of music - I'm now wondering whether it's more like a series of 7 separate pieces than a cycle.

Listening to this again, now. It has been a while!

For me, it  is a question of disconnection or continuity. I'm undecided without a bit of a listen... four Adagios, one Lento, one Adagio molto and one Lento molto that PMD considers connected by architectural principles.

Who knows? Certainly not me... at least, not yet 🤓😀