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Commissioned by the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

  • 2(pic)+afl.2+ca.2+bcl.2+cbn/4331/timp.3perc/hp/str
  • 11 min

Programme Note

The reel in question is drawn from 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.

Media

Maxwell's Reel, with Northern Lights

Scores

Preview the score

Discography

Title Unavailable
  • Label
    Naxos
  • Catalogue Number
    8572363
  • Conductor
    Peter Maxwell Davies
  • Ensemble
    Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
  • Soloist
    Stewart McIlwham (picc)
  • Released
    28th January 2013

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