Peter Maxwell Davies Mary Thomas, Julius Eastman, The Fires Of London, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies - Miss Donnithornes Maggot Eight Songs For A Mad King

Review by Curtis Schramm

Miss Donnithorne's Maggot: Eight Songs for a Mad King by Peter Maxwell Davies is a unique and haunting album that showcases the composer's mastery of avant-garde classical music. The album features Mary Thomas and Julius Eastman as vocal soloists, accompanied by The Fires of London and conducted by Sir Peter Maxwell Davies himself.

The eight songs on the album are based on the story of Miss Elizabeth Donnithorne, a real-life eccentric spinster who lived in colonial Australia in the 19th century. The songs are a mix of spoken word, vocalizations, and unconventional singing techniques, all set against a backdrop of dissonant and unsettling orchestral music.

Mary Thomas and Julius Eastman both deliver stunning performances, capturing the madness and despair of Miss Donnithorne with their powerful and emotive vocals. The Fires of London provide a suitably eerie and disorienting musical accompaniment, with Sir Peter Maxwell Davies' masterful conducting tying everything together into a cohesive and unforgettable whole.

Summary by Curtis Schramm

Miss Donnithorne's Maggot: Eight Songs for a Mad King is a challenging and rewarding listening experience that will appeal to fans of experimental classical music. It is a testament to the singular vision and creative genius of Peter Maxwell Davies, and a must-listen for anyone interested in pushing the boundaries of what music can be.