Five of the best works by Thea Musgrave

Clarinet Concerto (1968)

This single-movement concerto is, writes Musgrave, an exploration of a ‘dramatic-abstract’ idea. So think theatrical, but without a story. It was premiered by clarinettist Gervase de Peyer, the BBC Symphony Orchestra and Colin Davis.

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Mary, Queen of Scots (1977)

Thea Musgrave’s acclaimed fourth opera explores what happened to Mary Stuart between 1561, when she had returned to Scotland a widow, and 1568, when she sought protection in England. The libretto is based on the play Moray by Amalia Elguera.

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Phoenix Rising (1997)

This vibrant orchestral piece, with a spotlight on timpani and horn, was performed at this year’s BBC Proms to celebrate Musgrave’s 90th. It features her trademark dramatic flair – and a touch of humour too.

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Night Windows (2007)

‘Walking down a darkened street it’s hard to resist looking in through lighted windows and catching a glimpse of other people’s lives…’ Tantalising Edward Hopper-scenes blossom in this chamber piece written for oboist Nicholas Daniel.

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The Voices of our Ancestors (2014)

Drawing inspiration from the Indian Rigveda, this piece for chorus and orchestra uses texts in a host of languages, including Latin, Hebrew and Persian, that explore what it means to be alive.