Havergal Brian – Symphony No. 1 ‘The Gothic'[Hyperion 2011][FLAC]

In July 2011, over 800 performers gathered in London s Royal Albert Hall to give a rare performance of Havergal Brian s Symphony No.1 in D minor ‘The Gothic’. Although tickets for this Prom sold out within 24 hours, we are fortunate that Hyperion recorded the performance, making it available to all. The symphony is a phenomenal work. Responding to the challenge set by Sir Henry Wood, the composer has thrown just about every known orchestral instrument into the mix, then adding a double chorus of over 500, plus children s choirs, for an hour-long Te Deum that makes up the symphony s finale. Martyn Brabbins leads these massive forces in a benchmark performance. Whether or not you were lucky enough to be there on the night, this is a recording not to be missed.

CD1
Part 1
1-1 Allegro Assai 12:09
1-2 Lento Espressivo E Solenne 11:54
1-3 Vivace 12:15
Part 2
1-4 Te Deum Laudamus: Allegro Moderato 17:47

CD2
2-1 Iudex Crederis Esse Venturus: Adagio Solenne E Religioso 16:13
2-2 Te Ergo, Quaesumus: Moderato E Molto Sostenuto 35:47
2-3 Applause 8:40

Martyn Brabbins (conductor)
Susan Gritton (soprano), Christine Rice (mezzo-soprano),Peter Auty (tenor), Alastair Miles (bass), David Goode (organ)
BBC National Orchestra of Wales, BBC Concert Orchestra
The Bach Choir, BBC National Chorus of Wales, Brighton Festival Chorus, CBSO Youth Chorus, C�r Caerdydd,Eltham College Boys’ Choir, Huddersfield Choral Society, London Symphony Chorus,

FLAC DOWNLOAD (http://www.adrive.com/public/t6w2Zt/Brian%20-%20%27Gothic%27%20Symphony%5BHyperion%5D.rar)

I’ll try a ear. Thank you.

🙂

Fascinating. They gave this another chance. With the epic requirements it won’t happen often. Looking forward to hearing this version. Many thanks…….

Hooray!

Thanks 🙂

Thank you very much.

WOW! Thanks.

Thanks!

it’s hard to imagine the score more requiring in terms of performing forces than both Mahler’s 8th and Schoenberg’s Gurrelieder.
anyway, they’ve done it. this recording is just the 3rd (omitting the BBC-roadcasted version of the same event) after Boult’s historical and the spurious Lenard’s.
let’s give it a chance. hope to find it worth listening.

thank you!

Thanks

I would hardly call Lenard’s "spurious" – it certainly wasn’t perfect, and compromises were made… but overall it was successful – not to mention a miracle of circumstances. Additionally, the Havergal Brian Society judge it quite favourably. I find it somewhat superior to Boult’s 1966 account in almost every way.

And, correspondingly, this 2011 account superior to both – the first ever performance with Brian’s recommended forces. It’s not without (minor) problems but I honestly don’t see it being done any better. A new studio recording, at this point, would make no sense financially – even another cheap Eastern-European sweatshop recording… With any luck it will turn up in concert from time to time, but truly professional, no-compromise performances in appropriately-sized venues will not happen often, if ever again. This truly unique work has, finally, after 90 years, received a performance and recording that present it in a very favourable light.

It’s rather an intimate piece underneath the fancy clothing. It’s only during rare climaxes that the full ensemble participate – I find most of the symphony has a somewhat dreamy, chamber sensation to it.

I was actually at this concert – the atmosphere in the hall was just breathtaking. 🙂