Peter Maxwell Davies: Maxwell's Reel, With Northern Lights
Product Code: CH61838

Miniature Score.
This work was commissioned by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra. It was first performed on 13th May 1998 London.
This piece is based on a genuine old tune 'Maxwell's Strathspey' which the composer found in an 1824 collection of Scottish melodies, and which unfolds at the start of the piece on solo cello. Variations and a bold up-tempo to the quick dance we know as a reel ultimately yield to the magic that has been promised right at the start: the northern lights take over at the end of the piece. Its inspiration comes from a walk to a community event in Hoy Hall, during which Davies saw the lights in the sky pulsing in and out of time with the sounds coming from the hall.
Duration 12 minutes. Conductor's score and orchestral parts are available on hire.