Davies: An Orkney Wedding, with Sunrise

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Peter Maxwell Davies' "An Orkney Wedding, with Sunrise," a captivating album that celebrates the composer's deep connection with the Scottish landscape and its cultural heritage. Released in 2016, this collection of nine tracks offers a rich tapestry of modern and contemporary classical music, performed by the Scottish Chamber Orchestra.

The album opens with the stirring "Concert Overture. Ebb of Winter," setting the stage for a journey through Davies' evocative compositions. The centerpiece of the album is the titular "An Orkney Wedding, with Sunrise," a piece inspired by a neighbor's wedding in 1978. This vibrant work brilliantly captures the exuberance of a celebration and the serene beauty of the rising sun, culminating in a triumphant finish with bagpipes. The album also features the intricate and expressive "Hill Runes," a five-movement suite that showcases Davies' mastery of orchestration and his ability to convey a range of moods and atmospheres.

Other highlights include the hauntingly beautiful "Farewell to Stromness," arranged for solo guitar by Timothy Walker, and the contemplative "Last Door of Light." Each piece on this album is a testament to Davies' unique voice and his enduring legacy as one of the most important composers of the 20th and 21st centuries. Whether you're a longtime fan of Peter Maxwell Davies or a newcomer to his music, "An Orkney Wedding, with Sunrise" is an album that demands to be experienced.