This study represents a reflection on and celebration of the extensive musical achievements of Sir Peter Maxwell Davies. The book describes selected works from all periods of Davies's rich and diverse career, resulting in a portrait which reveals the essence of this remarkable composer and his music.

Preface; 1. 'A dark voice from within': Peter Maxwell Davies and modern times ARNOLD WHITTALL; 2. The writings of a young British composer: Peter Maxwell Davies in the 1950s NICHOLAS JONES; 3. Thematic drama in early Peter Maxwell Davies: from Op. 1 to the First Taverner Fantasia PHILIP RUPPRECHT; 4. Taverner: an interpretation DAVID BEARD; 5. The ghost in the machine: sonata form in the music of Peter Maxwell Davies RODNEY LISTER; 6. Questions of form and genre in Peter Maxwell Davies's First Symphony KENNETH GLOAG; 7. Peter Maxwell Davies's sources: reflections on origins, meanings and significance RICHARD McGregor; 8. Setting it in stone: the problems of an Urtext in the music of Peter Maxwell Davies PETER OWENS; 9. The composer-performer relationship in the music of Peter Maxwell Davies GRENVILLE HANCOX; 10. Peter Maxwell Davies at Dartington: the composer as teacher PHILIP GRANGE; Appendices: Appendix I: Peter Maxwell Davies's articles, lectures, interviews and radio broadcasts NICHOLAS JONES; Appendix II: Source material used in the works of Peter Maxwell Davies, 1957-2006 Richard McGregor.