Peter Maxwell Davies: Black Pentecost & Stone Litany

Dive into the profound and intricate world of Peter Maxwell Davies with his compelling album, "Black Pentecost & Stone Litany." This masterful collection, released on September 2, 2014, under the esteemed Naxos label, showcases Davies' genius in composing works that are both intellectually stimulating and deeply evocative.

The album features two of Davies' most significant compositions: "Black Pentecost," composed in 1979, and "Stone Litany," composed in 1973. "Black Pentecost" is a four-movement work that explores themes of darkness and light, with titles like "Black Star" and "Bella Budge Presided over a Diminishing Republic of Hens" hinting at the rich, poetic narratives woven into the music. The piece is performed with remarkable skill by the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, recorded in Manchester in September 1992.

"Stone Litany," on the other hand, is a six-movement work inspired by Norse mythology and the runic alphabet. Each movement is named after a character or theme from the ancient sagas, such as "Ingibjorg the Fair Widow" and "Lothbrokar's Sons." The work is a testament to Davies' ability to blend historical and mythical elements with contemporary musical techniques.

The album spans 1 hour and 16 minutes, featuring the powerful vocals of Della Jones and the nuanced performances of David Wilson-Johnson. The combination of Davies' unique compositional style, the BBC Philharmonic Orchestra's virtuosity, and the rich narrative content makes "Black Pentecost & Stone Litany" a standout in the world of classical music. Whether you're a longtime fan of Peter Maxwell Davies or new to his work, this album offers a deep and rewarding listening experience.