British composer Sir Peter Maxwell Davies dies aged 81

Sir Peter was diagnosed with an aggressive form of leukaemia in 2013, but continued to work through successive rounds of chemotherapy.

His tenth symphony, premiered in 2014, his 80th birthday year, was seen as a reply to the illness.

“It felt as if Maxwell Davies was simultaneously bowing his head to mortality, and shaking his fist at it,” said Ivan Hewett, external, reviewing the work for The Telegraph.

But this stage, the former “enfant terrible” had been embraced by the establishment – but he retained his edge, drawing inspiration from the MPs’ expenses scandal, and railing against the “artistic terrorists” who let their mobiles ring during concerts.

The composer’s 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 Radio 3 will pay tribute to Sir Peter on today’s edition of In Tune at 16:30 GMT.