Peter Maxwell Davies: Ave Maris Stella; Image, Reflection and Shadow; Runes from a Holy Island

The Fires of London

UKCD 2038 – 053068203821

Conceived as both a challenge and a tribute to The Fires of London, Ave Maris Stella is a rare piece of modern chamber music: music for six people working together, unconducted, on a journey that is arduous but hugely gripping for performers and audience alike. Its symphonic impetus is maintained throughout the nine varied sections and the work is notable for the inclusion of marimba whose part is as important as the other instruments. The Fires of London (1965-1987) were a crack ensemble dedicated to performing contemporary music, directed by Peter Maxwell Davies and Harrison Birtwistle.