Peter Maxwell Davies

Eight Songs for A Mad King

First publication of the vocal score of this 1969 music-theatre work for male voice and ensemble, a landmark in the composer's career.The songs are a monologue by the King while he tries to teach his caged birds to sing, and these songs exploit unusual vocal techniques to express and explore his 'madness'.This publication includes notes (in English, German and French) on the music by the composer, and on the texts by Randolph Stow; there is also a note on performance and notation.The cover design reproduces the composer's manuscript 'cage' - in which the written-down shape of the music of song no. 3 forms the vertical bars of a bird cage.A study score (M-060-08085-2) is available on sale; full score and parts are available on hire. A CD recording is available on Unicorn-Kanchana DKP(CD) 9052.