British composer Sir Peter Maxwell Davies dies aged 81

Sir Peter Maxwell DaviesImage copyrightRex Features
Image captionSir Peter Maxwell Davies was one of the UK's foremost composers
Celebrated British composer Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, a former Master of the Queen's Music, has died at the age of 81.
He was known for his modern and avant-garde works, most notably Return to Stromness, a haunting lament for solo piano.
"He was right to the end a pioneer," Stephen Lumsden, Managing Director of music agency Intermusica, said.
The Salford-born musician, who had leukaemia, died at home in Orkney.
Famous for pushing boundaries, Sir Peter's earlier works had been described as unplayable, generating controversy among audiences and critics alike.
But he made it his mission to connect with as many audiences as possible, writing pieces for children, theatre and string quartet.
Media captionIn 2014, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies spoke to Will Gompertz about his 10th symphony
Known to most as Max, he composed some 300 works including symphonies and operas, which over the years covered a variety of musical styles.
He moved to the Orkney Islands in the early 70s, leading to a calmer style of music, which often incorporated Scottish motifs.
In 1987 he was knighted, and in 2004 he became Master of the Queen's Music - a post considered to be the musical equivalent of the poet laureate.
The holder is expected to write music to commemorate important royal events.
In the 2014 New Year Honours List he was made a Member of the Order of the Companions of Honour for "services to music". Last month he was awarded the Royal Philharmonic Society Gold Medal, considered to be the highest accolade the society can bestow.
"Max was a truly unique musician," said Sally Groves, a close friend and former creative director of sheet music shop Schott Music.
She added that he was "a remarkable composer who created music theatre works of searing power, great symphonies, intense chamber music, works of truly universal popularity" and "a fierce fighter for music in the community and in education, and on environmental issues".
His most recent work was an opera for children called The Hogboon, which will be premiered by the London Symphony Orchestra on 26 June.
"His vision for music education and the wealth of wonderful pieces he has left for young people is unparalleled in recent times," said the LSO's managing director, Kathryn McDowell. "He will be sorely missed."
BBC

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