Customer Reviews

Sym

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Havergal Brian is not too known a English composer, he was lived very long, and he written 32 symphonies.

His most knwon works are: Symphony No. 1 "Gothic", 3 and 4 "Das Siegeslied"...As you know, his "Gothic Symphony" to be recorded in Guiness Records (with the most large orchestra ever used in music)

And this symphony, also, written for large orchestra: quadruple winds, 8 horns, 4 trumpets, 4 trombones, 2 tubas, 2 set timpani, 3 side drums, cymbals, bass drum, gong, bells, 2 pianos, 2 harps, organ (may be ommited, but used in this CD), and about 60 strings...

Havergal Brian is a post-romantic composer, like another important English composer Robert Simpson. So, Brian wasn't used atonality or 12-tone system, like his contemporary Schoenberg, Stravinsky, Penderecki, Varese...But, still, he wasn't written tonal music at all. He move around tonality between atonality borders...Especially, he was liked that composing for large ensembles. After, Symphony No. 6 "Sinfonia tragica", he written not too long, usually mid-length works. (about 20 minutes etc.)

And this recording is a good choice to beginning his music and performers are very good.

Recommended.