I first heard Birtwistle’s music in 2005 with Night’s Black Bird. I think it was a member of Massive Attack who mentioned him. I chose Night’s Black Bird first because it was described as melancholy and brooding. It’s much more than that. It’s creepy, malevolent and very threatening. It still gives me a shiver down the spine and is a piece I revisit regularly, as often as I do some Bowie, Miles, Cochrane.
Of course, Birtwistle is, sorry was, a stellar composer, who was capable of many things. He was at the more challenging end of the classical spectrum, demanding a great deal from his audience. Nevertheless, I found him stimulating and moving. I feel a huge well of emotion in his music. Pleasure may not the correct word to describe the whole of my listening experience but I’m very grateful to him and I salute him.
The linked article is a fitting tribute.
Night’s Black Bird