Maxwell Davies: Symphony No. 6

Sir Peter Maxwell Davies’s passionate Sixth Symphony is dedicated to the memory of the writer George Mackay Brown, with the ‘very special musical virtuosity’ of the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra in mind. It is one of his most beautifully expressive works and, whilst not untroubled, reaches moments of serene beauty. Composed for the 50th anniversary of the founding of the United Nations, Time and the Raven is a brilliant and exciting collage, whilst few contemporary works enjoy such popularity as the magical An Orkney Wedding with Sunrise. The Sixth is in many ways Maxwell Davies’s most immediately approachable symphony – an excellent ‘entry point’ to his ongoing cycle of symphonies. It’s both powerful and consoling, with the musical architecture leading ever onward to the moving last movement. Time and the Raven is a bold occasional piece, whilst An Orkney Wedding with Sunrise is one of his most performed compositions, notable for his use of the bagpipe. The performances are conducted by the composer with his favourite orchestra.