Peter Maxwell Davies, a renowned British composer, presents a captivating collection of orchestral works in this album, released on December 2, 2014, under the Naxos label. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 12 minutes, the album is a testament to Davies' unique compositional style and his ability to blend narrative and musical expression.
The album opens with "The Beltane Fire," a dramatic and evocative piece divided into five scenes, each depicting a different setting and mood. This is followed by "The Turn of the Tide," a six-section work that explores the creation and evolution of life on Earth, from the flourishing of underwater plants to the triumph of human intellect. The final section offers a hopeful message of rebirth and renewal, a poignant reminder of nature's resilience.
The album concludes with two shorter pieces: "Sunday Morning," a serene and introspective work, and "Sir Charles His Pavan," a pavane that exudes a sense of grandeur and elegance. Throughout the album, Davies' mastery of orchestration and his ability to create vivid musical landscapes are on full display, making this a compelling listen for both new and seasoned fans of classical music.
2014 Naxos2014 Naxos
Tracks
The Beltane Fire, Scene 1: In the Barn of the BuPeter Maxwell Davies, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
The Beltane Fire: Interlude IPeter Maxwell Davies, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
The Beltane Fire, Scene 2: A FieldPeter Maxwell Davies, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
The Beltane Fire: Interlude IIPeter Maxwell Davies, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
The Beltane Fire, Scene 3: The KirkPeter Maxwell Davies, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
The Beltane Fire, Scene 4: The FieldPeter Maxwell Davies, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
The Beltane Fire, Scene 5: The Beltane FirePeter Maxwell Davies, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
The Turn of the Tide, Section I: I. The Creation of Underwater Plants -Peter Maxwell Davies, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
The Turn of the Tide, Section I: II. The Creation of Plants on Land -Peter Maxwell Davies, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
The Turn of the Tide, Section I: III. The Creation of the First Sea Creatures -Peter Maxwell Davies, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
The Turn of the Tide, Section I: IV. The Creation of Birds -Peter Maxwell Davies, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
The Turn of the Tide, Section I: V. Mammals, and First PeoplePeter Maxwell Davies, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
The Turn of the Tide, Section II: I. The Underwater Plants Flourish -Peter Maxwell Davies, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
The Turn of the Tide, Section II: II. The Trees flourish -Peter Maxwell Davies, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
The Turn of the Tide, Section II: III. The Prosperity of Fish -Peter Maxwell Davies, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
The Turn of the Tide, Section II: IV. Bird Migration -Peter Maxwell Davies, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
The Turn of the Tide, Section II: V. Instinct and Intellect in Mammals and MankindPeter Maxwell Davies, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
The Turn of the Tide, Section V: I. The Sea Plants Are Poisoned -Peter Maxwell Davies, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
The Turn of the Tide, Section V: II. The trees Are Suffocated -Peter Maxwell Davies, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
The Turn of the Tide, Section V: III. The Fish Are Deformed and Cannot Function -Peter Maxwell Davies, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
The Turn of the Tide, Section V: IV. The Birds Fall from the Sky -Peter Maxwell Davies, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
The Turn of the Tide, Section V: V. Hubris Triumphant -Peter Maxwell Davies, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
The Turn of the Tide, Section VI: The Warning Is Heeded - Nature Reborn - The Decline Is ReversedPeter Maxwell Davies, Manchester Cathedral Choir, Manchester Cathedral Voluntary Choir, Manchester Grammar School Boys' Choir, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Sunday MorningPeter Maxwell Davies, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Threnody on a Plainsong for Michael VynerPeter Maxwell Davies, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
Sir Charles His PavanPeter Maxwell Davies, BBC Philharmonic Orchestra
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