Max Davies's groundbreaking Eight Songs for a Mad King is pretty much as fresh and startling today as it was at its auspicious premiere in 1969. A virtual masterclass in extended vocal techniques—not to mention all the extended techniques used by the instrumentalists—the work perfectly encapsulates the rantings of George III as he loses his grip on reality. Listen here to the haunting sixth movement, as he begins to hint that he understands what is happening, but protests, "I am nervous; I am not ill, but I am nervous...."