The primary audience for such a work is among performers, listeners, academics and students who wish to deepen their understanding of the composer. However, at a time when music is increasingly taking its place alongside literature and the other arts in Irish Studies, Constellations is also open to those with a less technical grasp of music.

 The book is organised in such a way that sections devoted to the broad shape of the composer’s career alternate with detailed analysis and illustration of style and technique.