Peter Maxwell Davies: Black Pentecost & Stone Litany

Featuring

Sir Peter Maxwell Davies
Della Jones
David Wilson-Johnson
BBC Philharmonic

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Composer Biography

Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, one of the foremost composers of our time, has lived in the Orkney Islands off the north coast of Scotland for almost 45 years, where he writes most of his music.

Composition History

Both 'Black Pentecost' and 'Stone Litany' were inspired by the Orkney Islands, where composer Peter Maxwell Davies has resided for almost 45 years.

Performer Biography

David Wilson-Johnson, a baritone, has sung many roles at Covent Garden over 21 years and has over 150 CDs of music from all periods and styles.

Performer Biography

Della Jones, a leading British mezzo-soprano, has performed in over 120 operatic roles across the globe and has recorded prolifically on over a hundred recordings.

Composition History

'Black Pentecost' was catalyzed by the threat of uranium mining in the Yesnaby region of the Orkney 'mainland', which provoked a vigorous response from the local population.

Composer Biography

Sir Peter Maxwell Davies was knighted in 1987 and appointed Master of the Queen's Music in 2004, a role in which he seeks to raise the profile of music in Great Britain.

Composer's Artistic Vision

Peter Maxwell Davies's music, spanning over five decades and a broad range of styles, always communicates directly and powerfully, whether in symphonic, music-theatre, or witty light orchestral works.