In 2014, to celebrate the 80th Birthday of its Patron, Sir Peter Maxwell Davies, Manchester’s premier new music ensemble Psappha released a limited edition recording of Eight Songs for a Mad King on vinyl.The recording was made in 2012 and was supervised by the composer, making this the first recording of the work to have had the direct involvement of 'Max' since the 1971 recording by his own ensemble, The Fires of London. Psappha performed Eight Songs for a Mad King more than 70 times and worked closely with the composer to fine-tune the performance of one of his most iconic works to be as close as possible to what he intended.
Originally premiered in 1969, this monodrama was composed by Maxwell Davies to a libretto by Randolph Stow based on writings by King George III of Britain, and is scored for solo baritone (Kelvin Thomas) and small ensemble. Based on melodies supposedly churned out by the King on his mechanical organ as he taught his pet bullfinches to sing, it is an intense theatrical depiction of descent into delirium.
After the initial limited vinyl release of only 500 copies, Eight Songs for a Mad King is being reissued as part of Psappha's new partnership with the label NMC Recordings, which coincides with the 30th anniversary of the ensemble. The reissue will be repressed on vinyl, and will also be available for digital download.
Kelvin Thomas baritone
Conrad Marshall flute
Dov Goldberg clarinet
Richard Casey, piano
Tim Williams, percussion
Bennedict Holland, violin
Jennifer Langridge, cello
