Discography of available recordings

Shortcuts: • Athene Minerva • Cameo Classics • Chandos • Classical Recordings Quarterly Editions • Classico Records • Decca • Doyen Recordings • Dutton Vocalion • Heritage Records • Hyperion • Lyrita • Marco Polo • Naxos • Stone Records • Testament • Toccata Classics • Warner Classics


Athene Minerva

The Complete Piano Music
Athene Minerva 23012
23012
5022736101221
(CD DDD)
Three illuminations Brian (1916†)

Raymond Clarke (piano), Tessa Spong (speaker)

Three illuminations Brian (1916†) (piano solo version)

Raymond Clarke (piano)

The defiled sanctuary Blake (1918-19†)

Raymond Clarke (piano), Esther King (mezzo-soprano)

Four miniatures (1919-20†)

Raymond Clarke

The birds Blake (1919†)

Raymond Clarke (piano), Esther King (mezzo-soprano)

The land of dreams Blake (1919†)

Raymond Clarke (piano), Esther King (mezzo-soprano)

Double fugue in E flat (1924†)

Raymond Clarke

Prelude and fugue in C minor (1924†)

Raymond Clarke

Prelude and fugue in D minor/major (1924†)

Raymond Clarke

Prelude »John Dowland’s fancy« (1934†)

Raymond Clarke

Recorded: June 1997   Released: March 1998
Location: Potton Hall, Dunwich, Suffolk
Producer: Joanna Leach   Engineer: Mike Beville
The Complete Piano Music: 2 reviews – Rob Barnett, David Wright
A note on the dating of The birds and The land of dreams – Malcolm MacDonald

Cameo Classics

The Complete Early Orchestral Works
Cameo Classics CC9014CD-2
CC9014CD-2
(2 discs)
(CD)
English suite 1 (?1902-04†)

City of Hull Youth Symphony Orchestra, conductor Geoffrey Heald-Smith

Burlesque variations on an original theme (1903†)

City of Hull Youth Symphony Orchestra, conductor Geoffrey Heald-Smith

For valour (1904†) rev 1906

Alan Smith (organ),
City of Hull Youth Symphony Orchestra, conductor Geoffrey Heald-Smith

Fantastic variations on an old rhyme (1907†)

Alan Smith (organ),
City of Hull Youth Symphony Orchestra, conductor Geoffrey Heald-Smith

Festal dance (1908†)

David Martin (piano),
City of Hull Youth Symphony Orchestra, conductor Geoffrey Heald-Smith

In memoriam (1910†)

City of Hull Youth Symphony Orchestra, conductor Geoffrey Heald-Smith

Doctor Merryheart (1911-12†)

City of Hull Youth Symphony Orchestra, conductor Geoffrey Heald-Smith

Choral pieces for female voices and orchestra (or piano) »Requiem for the rose« Herrick (1912†)

Saint Nicholas Singers, City of Hull Youth Symphony Orchestra, conductor Geoffrey Heald-Smith

Choral pieces for female voices and orchestra (or piano) »The hag« Herrick (1912†)

Saint Nicholas Singers,
City of Hull Youth Symphony Orchestra, conductor Geoffrey Heald-Smith

Recorded: 1979, July 1979, September 1979, July 1980   Released: 1994
Location: City Hall, Hull, UK

Original LP release: Cameo Classics GOCLP 9010

Introduction – David J Brown
Review of City of Hull Youth SO CDs – David J Brown
Review of Hull Youth SO recording – Lewis Foreman
Brian and variation form (1) – Malcolm MacDonald
Introduction – Gerard Cunliffe
Introduction – David J Brown
Introduction: Brian and variation form (2) – Malcolm MacDonald
Analysis: Brian and variation form (3) – Malcolm MacDonald
Introduction – Gerard Cunliffe
Introduction – Gerard Cunliffe
Introduction – David J Brown
The Complete Piano Music
Cameo Classics CC9016CD
CC9016CD
5060388720254
(CD)
Three illuminations Brian (1916†)

Peter Hill (piano), Christopher Kay (speaker)

Four miniatures (1919-20†)

Peter Hill

Double fugue in E flat (1924†)

Peter Hill, (Douglas Young, 2nd piano)

Prelude and fugue in C minor (1924†)

Peter Hill

Prelude and fugue in D minor/major (1924†)

Peter Hill

Prelude »John Dowland’s fancy« (1934†)

Peter Hill

Minuet and funeral march (1950-51) trans MacDonald and Stevenson 1973

Peter Hill

Recorded: February 1981   Released: 2011

Formerly LP GOCLP9016D

Chandos

Fanfare: British Music for Symphonic Brass Ensemble
Chandos CHAN 6573
CHAN 6573
0095115657324
(CD ADD)
Festival fanfare (1967†) orig Fanfare for the orchestral brass

Locke Brass Consort, conductor James Stobart

Recorded: February 1977   Released: July 2003
Location: St Peter’s Church, Morden
Producer: Brian Couzens   Engineer: Brian Couzens
with other works by Benjamin, Bliss, Elgar, Jacob, Rubbra, Simpson, Tippett and Walton

Classical Recordings Quarterly Editions

A Tribute to Robert Simpson
Classical Recordings Quarterly Editions CRQ CD268
CRQ CD268
(CD)
Symphony 6 »Sinfonia Tragica« (1948†)
(first performance)

Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, conductor Douglas Robinson

Recorded: January 1966   Released: November 2016
Location: BBC Maida Vale Studios, London
Producer: Robert Simpson
Beethoven: Symphony No. 3 in Eb, Op. 55, ‘Eroica’
Brian’s Sinfonia tragica (1) – Martin O’Leary
Brian’s Sinfonia tragica (2) – Martin O’Leary
Brian’s Sinfonia tragica (3) – Martin O’Leary
Notes on Havergal Brian’s 6th symphony – Anno Schreier
Observations on Havergal Brian’s 6th symphony – Josef Schreier

Classico Records

Elgar and the English Choral Tradition
Classico Records CLASSCD 456
CLASSCD 456
(CD)
Psalm 23 (c.1904,1944–45†) reconstructed 1944-45

Kevin Matthews (ten), Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Chorus, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Douglas Bostock

Recorded: July 2002   Released: October 2002
Location: Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool
With works by Bridge, Dyson, Elgar, Howells and Purcell

Decca

The 20th Century Album
Decca 289 470 501-2
289 470 501-2
(2 discs)
028947050124
(CD DDD)
Fanfare (1951-52†) arr MacDonald

Philip Jones Brass Ensemble, conductor Howard Snell

Recorded: 1976   Released: 2002
Location: Kingsway London Hall, London
plus works by Arnold, Bliss, Britten, Copland, Dodgson, Hindemith, Howarth, Janáček, Jolivet, Poulenc, Previn, Rodney-Bennett, Salzedo, Schuller, Tippett, Tomasi, Uhl, Weill
British Music for Brass
Decca 473 714 2
473 714 2
028947371427
(CD)
Fanfare (1951-52†) arr MacDonald

Philip Jones Brass Ensemble, conductor Howard Snell

Recorded: 1976   Released: 2003
Location: Kingsway London Hall, London
plus works by Arnold, Bax, Bliss, Britten, Tippett, Walton

Doyen Recordings

Heritage
Doyen Recordings DOY CD 142
DOY CD 142
(CD)
The battle song (1930-31) realised John Pickard 1997

Buy as you view Cory Band, conductor Robert Childs

Recorded: February 2002   Released: 2002
Location: Cwmbran Council Chambers, Gwent
with other arrangements for brass of works by Elgar, Paul Gilson, Joseph Parry, Oskar Bohme

review at 4barsrest.com.

The battle song and 15 transcriptions – Malcolm MacDonald

Dutton Vocalion

Studio Broadcasts: symphonies 9 & 11, Doctor Merryheart
Dutton Vocalion CDBP 9798
CDBP 9798
765387979829
(CD)
Doctor Merryheart (1911-12†)

London Symphony Orchestra, conductor Harry Newstone

Symphony 9 (1951†)

London Symphony Orchestra leader Hugh Maguire, conductor Norman del Mar

Symphony 11 (1954†)
(first performance)

London Symphony Orchestra, conductor Harry Newstone

Recorded: February 1959, April 1959
Location: Hammersmith Town Hall, BBC Maida Vale Studio 1

Live studio broadcasts (mono) from BBC Third Programme, 1959

Introduction – David J Brown
Thoughts on Brian’s eleventh symphony – Robert Matthew-Walker
Works for Cello and Orchestra
Dutton Vocalion CDLX 7263
CDLX 7263
(2 discs)
765387726324
(CD DDD)
Cello concerto (1964†)
(world premiere recording)

Raphael Wallfisch (cello),
BBC Concert Orchestra, conductor Martin Yates

Recorded: September 2010   Released: 2011
Location: St Jude-on-the-Hill, Hampstead Garden Suburb, London
Producer: Michael J Dutton, Michael Ponder   Engineer: Dexter Newman, Dillon Gallagher
With Rhapsody for Cello and Orchestra by York Bowen, and Concert Suite for Cello and Orchestra by Alan Bush
In association with the Havergal Brian Society
Symphonies 10, 30, Concerto for Orchestra, English Suite 3
Dutton Vocalion CDLX 7267
CDLX 7267
765387726720
(CD)
English suite 3 (1919-21†) also arr piano - lost

David Bednall (organ), Royal Scottish National Orchestra, conductor Martyn Brabbins

Symphony 10 (1953-54†)

Royal Scottish National Orchestra, conductor Martyn Brabbins

Concerto for orchestra (1964†)

Royal Scottish National Orchestra, conductor Martyn Brabbins

Symphony 30 (1967†)

Royal Scottish National Orchestra, conductor Martyn Brabbins

Recorded: September 2010
Location: RSNO Centre, Henry Wood Hall, Glasgow
In association with the Havergal Brian Society
In the mountains, there you feel free’ – David Hackbridge Johnson
Some thoughts on the thirtieth – Rodney Stephen Newton
Violin concerto, symphony 13
Dutton Vocalion CDLX 7296
CDLX 7296
765387729622
(CD DDD)
English suite 4 »Kindergarten« (?1924†)
(first digital recording)

Royal Scottish National Orchestra, conductor Martyn Brabbins

Violin concerto 2 (1935†)

Lorraine McAslan, violin; Royal Scottish National Orchestra, conductor Martyn Brabbins

The tinker’s wedding (1948†)

Royal Scottish National Orchestra, conductor Martyn Brabbins

Symphony 13 (1959†)
(world premiere recording)

Royal Scottish National Orchestra, conductor Martyn Brabbins

Recorded: June 2012   Released: November 2012
Location: RSNO Centre, Henry Wood Hall, Glasgow
Producer: Michael Ponder   Engineer: Dexter Newman
In association with the Havergal Brian Society
Introduction – Malcolm MacDonald
Symphonies 5 Wine of Summer, 19 & 27
Dutton Vocalion CDLX 7314
CDLX 7314
765387731427
(SACD)
Festal dance (1908†)

Roderick Williams, baritone; Royal Scottish National Orchestra, conductor Martyn Brabbins

Symphony 5 »Wine Of Summer« Lord Douglas (1937†)

Royal Scottish National Orchestra, conductor Martyn Brabbins

Symphony 19 (1961†)

Royal Scottish National Orchestra, conductor Martyn Brabbins

Symphony 27 (1966†)

Royal Scottish National Orchestra, conductor Martyn Brabbins

Recorded: July 2014   Released: January 2015
Location: RSNO Centre, Henry Wood Hall, Glasgow
Producer: Michael Ponder   Engineer: Dexter Newman
In association with the Havergal Brian Society
Introduction – Gerard Cunliffe
Words for music, perhaps – Chris Kettle
Symphonies 16 to 19: Style and manner – Martin O’Leary
Symphonies Nos. 2 & 14
Dutton Vocalion CDLX 7330
CDLX 7330
765387733025
(SACD)
Symphony 2 (1930-31†)

Lynda Cochrane & Judith Keaney, pianos; Mark Hindley, organ; Royal Scottish National Orchestra, conductor Martyn Brabbins

Symphony 14 (1959-60†)
(world premiere recording)

Mark Hindley, organ; Royal Scottish National Orchestra, conductor Martyn Brabbins

Recorded: September 2015   Released: July 2016
Location: Glasgow Royal Concert Hall
In association with the Havergal Brian Society
The Vision of Cleopatra
Dutton Vocalion CDLX 7348
CDLX 7348
6538773482
(SACD)
For valour (1904†) rev 1906

English National Opera Orchestra, conductor Martyn Brabbins

Nicholas Ansdell-Evans, organ

Fantastic variations on an old rhyme (1907†)

English National Opera Orchestra, conductor Martyn Brabbins

Nicholas Ansdell-Evans, organ

The vision of Cleopatra Cumberland (1907†) original full score lost; re-orchestrated in contemporary Brian style by John Pickard 2014
(World premiere recording)

Claudia Boyle (Iris), Angharad Lyddon (Charmion), Claudia Huckle (Cleopatra), Peter Auty (Antony), English National Opera Orchestra & Chorus, conductor Martyn Brabbins

Choral pieces for female voices and orchestra (or piano) »Requiem for the rose« Herrick (1912†)
(World professional premiere)

Words by Robert Herrick

English National Opera Orchestra & Chorus, conductor Martyn Brabbins

Choral pieces for female voices and orchestra (or piano) »The hag« Herrick (1912†)
(World professional premiere)

Words by Robert Herrick

English National Opera Orchestra & Chorus, conductor Martyn Brabbins

Four miniatures (1919-20†) (No. 2, 'Land of Dreams')

Evelyn Munro

Recorded: November 1933, July 2017   Released: August 2018
Location: St Jude-on-the-Hill, Hamsptead, London, Small hall, Stockholm Concert Hall, Stockholm, Sweden
Producer: Alexander Van Ingen   Engineer: Mike Dutton
In association with the Havergal Brian Society

Heritage Records

Havergal Brian: The First Commercial Recordings
Heritage Records HTGCD 256/7
HTGCD 256/7
(2 discs)
5060332660384
(CD)
Psalm 23 (c.1904,1944–45†) reconstructed 1944-45

Paul Taylor (tenor), Brighton Festival Chorus, Leicestershire Schools Symphony Orchestra, conductor Laszlo Heltay

Symphony 10 (1953-54†)

Leicestershire Schools Symphony Orchestra, conductor James Loughran

English suite 5 »Rustic scenes« (1953†)

Leicestershire Schools Symphony Orchestra, conductor Eric Pinkett

Symphony 21 (1963†)

Leicestershire Schools Symphony Orchestra, conductor Eric Pinkett

Symphony 22 »Symphonia brevis« (1964-65†)

Leicestershire Schools Symphony Orchestra, conductor Laszlo Heltay

Recorded: July 1972, April 1974, April 1974   Released: September 2013
Location: Hove Town Hall, De Montfort Hall, Leicester
Producer: Robert Simpson (10/21), William Robson, Tim Grocutt   Engineer: Angus Mackenzie, Harvey Summers
In association with the Havergal Brian Society

Originally issued on Unicorn and CBS LPs, 1972/1974. This issue has gone back to the original master tapes for the transfers.

Symphonic Movements from The Tigers
Heritage Records HTGCD 270
HTGCD 270
5060332660674
(CD)
Symphonic variations »on Has anybody here seen Kelly?« (1921-22†)

Luxembourg Radio Symphony Orchestra, conductor Leopold Hager

Wild horsemen (1921-22†)

Luxembourg Radio Symphony Orchestra, conductor Leopold Hager

Green pastures (1921-22†)

Luxembourg Radio Symphony Orchestra, conductor Leopold Hager

Gargoyles (1921-22†)

Luxembourg Radio Symphony Orchestra, conductor Leopold Hager

Lacryma (1921-22†)

Luxembourg Radio Symphony Orchestra, conductor Leopold Hager

Shadow dance (1921-22†)

Luxembourg Radio Symphony Orchestra, conductor Leopold Hager

Recorded: July 1981   Released: May 2014
Location: Concert Hall, Villa Louvigny, Luxembourg
Producer: Tim Grocutt   Engineer: Harvey Summers
With John Foulds: Pasquinade Symphonique No. 1
In association with the Havergal Brian Society

Originally issued on LP in 1982, and later on CD on the Forlane label, as part of the set 'Masters of the English Musical Renaissance'. Re-mastered from the original master tape and released by Heritage Records.

Hyperion

The Gothic Symphony
Hyperion CDA67971/2
CDA67971/2
(2 discs)
0034571179711
(CD DDD)
Symphony 1 »The Gothic« (?1919-27†)

Susan Gritton (sop), Christine Rice (m-sop), Peter Auty (ten), Alastair Miles (bass), David Goode (organ), Eltham College Boys’ Choir, CBSO Youth Chorus, Southend Boys’ and Girls’ Choirs, Brighton Festival Chorus, Huddersfield Choral Society, London Symphony Chorus, BBC National Chorus of Wales, Bach Choir, Cor Caerdydd, BBC National Orchestra of Wales & BBC Concert Orchestra, conductor Martyn Brabbins

[The total forces numbered more than 930]

Recorded: July 2011   Released: December 2011
Location: Royal Albert Hall, London
Producer: Tim Thorne   Engineer: Huw Thomas

Recorded live at the BBC Proms, 2011

The Symphonies of Havergal Brian, Volume 3: Symphonies 30–32, Survey and summing-up – Malcolm MacDonald
HB: Aspects of Havergal Brian – Jürgen Schaarwächter
Opus est: Six Composers from Northern Europe – Paul Rapoport
Havergal Brian’s ‘Gothic symphony’: Two studies – Harold Truscott, Paul Rapoport, Havergal Brian
Music and meaning – Malcolm MacDonald
Brian as Faust – Malcolm MacDonald
Brian as Faust – Larry Alexander
Havergal Brian – The Gothic voice – Pauline Slevin
Havergal Brian’s last testament? – Lionel Pike
The conception of Part 2 – Colin G Davis
Flawed masterpiece? – Jonathan Rutherford
Creating the vocal score of the Gothic – 1 – Jeremy Marchant
Creating the vocal score of the Gothic – 2 – Philip Legge
Creating the vocal score of the Gothic – 3 – Jeremy Marchant
The Logistics of the Gothic symphony – 1 – Philip Legge
The Logistics of the Gothic symphony – 2 – Philip Legge
Beethoven, Berlioz, Brian (or Three Bs and more) – Jürgen Schaarwächter
Brian – the Gothic voice – Pauline Slevin
The Gothic Review – Mike Le Voi, 4MBS Concert Recording Team member
Choral Demands of the ‘Gothic – Jeremy Marchant
Brian’s Choral Challenges in the ‘Gothic’ – 1 – Jeremy Marchant
Symphony No. 3
Hyperion CDH55029
CDH55029
0034571150291
(CD DDD)
Symphony 3 (1931-32†)

Andrew Ball, Julian Jacobson (pianos), BBC Symphony Orchestra, conductor Lionel Friend

Recorded: October 1988   Released: September 1999
Location: BBC Maida Vale Studio no. 1, London
Producer: John H West   Engineer: Tony Faulkner
In association with the Havergal Brian Society and the Rex Foundation

Previously on Hyperion CD/MC, CDA/KA 66334 – both deleted

A listener’s impressions – Martyn Becker
Second thoughts – Christopher Kettle
Early English atonality in the first movement – Martin O’Leary
New vistas – Martyn Becker

Lyrita

Havergal Brian and Arnold Cooke Symphonies
Lyrita SRCD.295
SRCD.295
5020926029522
(CD ADD)
Symphony 6 »Sinfonia Tragica« (1948†)

London Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Myer Fredman

Symphony 16 (1960†)

London Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Myer Fredman

Recorded: April 1973   Released: February 2008
Location: Wandsworth Town Hall
Producer: James Walker   Engineer: Stanley Goodall
With Symphony No. 3 by Arnold Cooke
Brian’s Sinfonia tragica (1) – Martin O’Leary
Brian’s Sinfonia tragica (2) – Martin O’Leary
Brian’s Sinfonia tragica (3) – Martin O’Leary
Notes on Havergal Brian’s 6th symphony – Anno Schreier
Observations on Havergal Brian’s 6th symphony – Josef Schreier
Symphonies 16 to 19: Style and manner – Martin O’Leary
Performing Brian’s music – James Kelleher

Marco Polo

The Best of Marco Polo
Marco Polo 8.223002
8.223002
(2 discs)
0730099300223
(CD DDD)
Symphony 1 »The Gothic« (?1919-27†)

Eva Jenisová, soprano; Dagmar Pecková, alto; Vladimír Doležal, tenor; Peter Mikuláš, bass; Slovak Opera Chorus; Slovak Folk Ensemble Chorus; Lúčnica Chorus; Bratislava City Choir; Bratislava Children’s Choir; Youth ‘Echo’ Choir; Pavol Procházka, chorus master; Slovak radio Symphony Orchestra; Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir; Ondrej Lenárd, conductor

Recorded: March 1989   Released: September 1992
Location: Concert Hall of Slovak Radio (Bratislava)
Producer: Günter Appenheimer
With snippets of instrumental, chamber and orchestral works by 16 other composers

Includes five minutes only of Te ergo quaesumus, the last movement of The Gothic

The Symphonies of Havergal Brian, Volume 3: Symphonies 30–32, Survey and summing-up – Malcolm MacDonald
HB: Aspects of Havergal Brian – Jürgen Schaarwächter
Opus est: Six Composers from Northern Europe – Paul Rapoport
Havergal Brian’s ‘Gothic symphony’: Two studies – Harold Truscott, Paul Rapoport, Havergal Brian
Music and meaning – Malcolm MacDonald
Brian as Faust – Malcolm MacDonald
Brian as Faust – Larry Alexander
Havergal Brian – The Gothic voice – Pauline Slevin
Havergal Brian’s last testament? – Lionel Pike
The conception of Part 2 – Colin G Davis
Flawed masterpiece? – Jonathan Rutherford
Creating the vocal score of the Gothic – 1 – Jeremy Marchant
Creating the vocal score of the Gothic – 2 – Philip Legge
Creating the vocal score of the Gothic – 3 – Jeremy Marchant
The Logistics of the Gothic symphony – 1 – Philip Legge
The Logistics of the Gothic symphony – 2 – Philip Legge
Beethoven, Berlioz, Brian (or Three Bs and more) – Jürgen Schaarwächter
Brian – the Gothic voice – Pauline Slevin
The Marco Polo cycle – David J Brown
The Gothic Review – Mike Le Voi, 4MBS Concert Recording Team member
Choral Demands of the ‘Gothic – Jeremy Marchant
Brian’s Choral Challenges in the ‘Gothic’ – 1 – Jeremy Marchant

Naxos

‘Gothic’ Symphony
Naxos 8.557418-19
8.557418-19
(2 discs)
0747313241828
(CD DDD)
Symphony 1 »The Gothic« (?1919-27†)

Eva Jenisová, soprano; Dagmar Pecková, alto; Vladimír Doležal, tenor; Peter Mikuláš, bass; Slovak Opera Chorus; Slovak Folk Ensemble Chorus; Lúčnica Chorus; Bratislava City Choir; Bratislava Children’s Choir; Youth ‘Echo’ Choir; Pavol Procházka, chorus master; Slovak radio Symphony Orchestra; Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir; Ondrej Lenárd, conductor

Recorded: March 1989   Released: June 2011
Location: Concert Hall of Slovak Radio (Bratislava)
Producer: Günter Appenheimer

Previously released May 2004 and on Marco Polo 8.223280-81

The Symphonies of Havergal Brian, Volume 3: Symphonies 30–32, Survey and summing-up – Malcolm MacDonald
HB: Aspects of Havergal Brian – Jürgen Schaarwächter
Opus est: Six Composers from Northern Europe – Paul Rapoport
Havergal Brian’s ‘Gothic symphony’: Two studies – Harold Truscott, Paul Rapoport, Havergal Brian
A German view
Recording »The Gothic« in Bratislava – David J Brown
Music and meaning – Malcolm MacDonald
Brian as Faust – Malcolm MacDonald
Brian as Faust – Larry Alexander
Havergal Brian – The Gothic voice – Pauline Slevin
Havergal Brian’s last testament? – Lionel Pike
The conception of Part 2 – Colin G Davis
Flawed masterpiece? – Jonathan Rutherford
Creating the vocal score of the Gothic – 1 – Jeremy Marchant
Creating the vocal score of the Gothic – 2 – Philip Legge
Creating the vocal score of the Gothic – 3 – Jeremy Marchant
The Logistics of the Gothic symphony – 1 – Philip Legge
The Logistics of the Gothic symphony – 2 – Philip Legge
Beethoven, Berlioz, Brian (or Three Bs and more) – Jürgen Schaarwächter
Brian – the Gothic voice – Pauline Slevin
The Marco Polo cycle – David J Brown
The Gothic Review – Mike Le Voi, 4MBS Concert Recording Team member
Choral Demands of the ‘Gothic – Jeremy Marchant
Brian’s Choral Challenges in the ‘Gothic’ – 1 – Jeremy Marchant
Violin Concerto, Symphony No. 18
Naxos 8.557775
8.557775
0747313277520
(CD DDD)
Violin concerto 2 (1935†)

Marat Bisengaliev (violin), BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, conductor Lionel Friend

Symphony 18 (1961†)

BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, conductor Lionel Friend

The jolly miller (1962†)

BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, conductor Lionel Friend

Recorded: January 1993   Released: May 2005
Location: Studio 1, BBC Broadcasting House, Glasgow
Producer: Martin Dalby   Engineer: Tony Kime
In association with the Havergal Brian Society and the Rex Foundation

Previously released on Marco Polo 8.223479

A latter day Ysaÿe – Martin Anderson interviews Marat Bisengaliev on Classical Net
The Marco Polo cycle – David J Brown
Symphonies 16 to 19: Style and manner – Martin O’Leary
Symphonies Nos. 4 and 12
Naxos 8.570308
8.570308
0747313030873
(CD DDD)
Symphony 4 »Das Siegeslied« (1932-33†) Psalm 68 'Let God arise'

Jana Valásková (sop); Slovak Philharmonic Choir, Slovak National Opera Chorus, Brno Philharmonic Choir, Youth ‘Echo’ Choir, Mixed ‘Cantus’ Choir; Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra (Bratislava) [augmented], conductor Adrian Leaper

Symphony 12 (1957†)

Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra (Bratislava), conductor Adrian Leaper

Recorded: February 1992, February 1992   Released: January 2007
Location: Concert Hall of Slovak Radio, Bratislava
Producer: Murray Khouri

Previously released on Marco Polo 8.223447

Review of Adrian Leaper/Marco Polo CDs – Malcolm MacDonald
Music at war – David J Brown
Das Siegeslied and bad genes – Alan Dean Foster
MarcoPolo CD of symphonies 4 & 12
Review of Marco Polo 8.223447 – Martin Anderson
The Marco Polo cycle – David J Brown
Symphony No. 2, Festival Fanfare
Naxos 8.570506
8.570506
0747313050673
(CD DDD)
Symphony 2 (1930-31†)

Moscow Symphony Orchestra, conductor Anthony Rowe

Festival fanfare (1967†) orig Fanfare for the orchestral brass

Moscow Symphony Orchestra, conductor Anthony Rowe

Recorded: May 1996   Released: July 2007
Location: Mosfilm Studio, Moscow
Producer: Betta Inc.   Engineer: Edvard Shakhnazarian and Vitaly Ivanov
In association with the Havergal Brian Society and the Rex Foundation

Previously released on Marco Polo 8.223790

Symphonies Nos. 11 and 15
Naxos 8.572014
8.572014
747313201471
(CD DDD)
For valour (1904†) rev 1906

RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, conductor Tony Rowe

Doctor Merryheart (1911-12†)

RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, conductor Adrian Leaper

Symphony 11 (1954†)

RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, conductor Adrian Leaper

Symphony 15 (1960†)

RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, conductor Tony Rowe

Recorded: September 1993, May 1997   Released: July 2010
Location: National Concert Hall, Dublin
Producer: Chris Craker   Engineer: Chris Craker and Dave Harries
In association with the Havergal Brian Society and the Rex Foundation

Previously released on Marco Polo 8.223588

Introduction to the Marco Polo CD – Malcolm MacDonald
Introduction – Gerard Cunliffe
The Marco Polo cycle – David J Brown
Review – John Grimshaw
Introduction – David J Brown
Thoughts on Brian’s eleventh symphony – Robert Matthew-Walker
Brian and theurban pastorale – PJ Taylor
Symphonies Nos. 17 and 32
Naxos 8.572020
8.572020
0747313202072
(CD DDD)
Festal dance (1908†)

RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, conductor Adrian Leaper

In memoriam (1910†)

RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, conductor Adrian Leaper

Symphony 17 (1960-61†)

RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, conductor Adrian Leaper

Symphony 32 (1968†)

RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, conductor Adrian Leaper

Recorded: June 1992   Released: December 2010
Location: National Concert Hall, Dublin
Producer: Garry Carpenter
In association with the Havergal Brian Society and the Rex Foundation

Previously released on Marco Polo 8.223481

Review of Adrian Leaper/Marco Polo CDs – Malcolm MacDonald
Introduction – Gerard Cunliffe
The Marco Polo cycle – David J Brown
Introduction – Gerard Cunliffe
Symphonies 16 to 19: Style and manner – Martin O’Leary
Attacca? – Alan Marshall
Symphonies Nos. 20 and 25
Naxos 8.572641
8.572641
747313264179
(CD DDD)
Fantastic variations on an old rhyme (1907†)

Ukraine State Symphony Orchestra, conductor Andrew Penny

Symphony 20 (1962†)

Ukraine State Symphony Orchestra, conductor Andrew Penny

Symphony 25 (1965-66†)

Ukraine State Symphony Orchestra, conductor Andrew Penny

Recorded: October 1994   Released: July 2011
Location: Concert Hall of Ukrainian Radio
Producer: George Orobynsky and Alexander Hornostai   Engineer: Andrew Mokrytsky
In association with the Havergal Brian Society and the Rex Foundation

Previously released on Marco Polo 8.223731

Introduction – David J Brown
Introduction: Brian and variation form (2) – Malcolm MacDonald
Analysis: Brian and variation form (3) – Malcolm MacDonald
The Marco Polo cycle – David J Brown
First impressions – Larry Alexander
Symphonies 22–24, English Suite 1
Naxos 8.572833
8.572833
747313283378
(CD DDD)
English suite 1 (?1902-04†)

New Russia State Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Walker

Symphony 22 »Symphonia brevis« (1964-65†)

New Russia State Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Walker

Symphony 23 (1965†)
(world première recording)

New Russia State Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Walker

Symphony 24 (1965†)
(world première recording)

New Russia State Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Walker

Recorded: August 2012   Released: May 2013
Producer: Pavel Lavrenenkov   Engineer: Aleksander Karasev, Gennady Trabantov
In association with the Havergal Brian Society
Introduction – David J Brown
Symphonies 6, 28, 29, 31
Naxos 8.573408
8.573408
747313340873
(CD DDD)
Symphony 6 »Sinfonia Tragica« (1948†)

New Russia State Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Walker

Symphony 28 »Sinfonia in C minor« (1967†)
(World premiere recording)

New Russia State Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Walker

Symphony 29 (1967†)
(World premiere recording)

New Russia State Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Walker

Symphony 31 (1968†)

New Russia State Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Walker

Recorded: May 2014   Released: March 2015
Location: Studio 5, Russian State TV & Radio Company KULTURA, Moscow
Producer: Pavel Lavrenenkov   Engineer: Aleksander Karasev, Gennady Trabantov
In association with the Havergal Brian Society

Cover: Bust of Havergal Brian by Welsh sculptor Robert Thomas, the dedicatee of Symphony No. 29

Brian’s Sinfonia tragica (1) – Martin O’Leary
Brian’s Sinfonia tragica (2) – Martin O’Leary
Brian’s Sinfonia tragica (3) – Martin O’Leary
Notes on Havergal Brian’s 6th symphony – Anno Schreier
Observations on Havergal Brian’s 6th symphony – Josef Schreier
In the mountains, there you feel free’ – David Hackbridge Johnson
Symphonies 8, 21, 26
Naxos 8.573752
8.573752
747313375271
(CD DDD)
Symphony 8 (1949†)

New Russia State Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Walker

Symphony 21 (1963†)
(Premiere professional recording)

New Russia State Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Walker

Symphony 26 (1966†)
(World premiere recording)

New Russia State Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Walker

Recorded: September 2016   Released: October 2017
Location: Studio 5, Russian State TV & Radio Company KULTURA, Moscow
Producer: Pavel Lavrenenkov   Engineer: Aleksander Karasev, Gennady Trabantov
In association with the Havergal Brian Society

Cover photograph - Dr J F Grimshaw

Stone Records

The complete Havergal Brian songbook - volume 1
Stone Records 5060192780154
5060192780154
5060192780154
(CD DDD)
Sorrow song Samuel Daniel (?1904-06†)

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

The message Donne (?1904-06†)

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

Farewell Bishop Heber (?1904-06†)

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

Soliloquy upon a dead child Cumberland (1906†)

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

Little sleeper Hafiz (1906†) rev 1972

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

Day and night Cumberland (1906†)

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

When I lie ill Cumberland (1906†)

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

If I could speak Cumberland (1906†)

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

A faery song Yeats (1906†)

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

The lost doll Kingsley (1914†)

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

The mountain and the squirrel Emerson (1914†) for children

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

What does little birdie say? Tennyson (1914†)

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

Three illuminations Brian (1916†)

Sholto Kynoch, piano

Care-charmer sleep Samuel Daniel (1919†)

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

When icicles hang by the wall Shakespeare (1919†)

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

Legend (?1919†)

Jonathan Stone, violin; Sholto Kynoch, piano

Take, O take those lips away Shakespeare (1919-21)

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

The soul of steel C. M. Masterman (1920-21)

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

Since love is dead Bowles (c.1922-23†)

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

Prelude »John Dowland’s fancy« (1934†)

Sholto Kynoch, piano

Recorded: August 2011   Released: May 2012
Location: Potton Hall, Suffolk, U.K.
Producer: Richard Sutcliffe   Engineer: Richard Sutcliffe
In association with the Havergal Brian Society
Introduction – David Hackbridge Johnson
The complete Havergal Brian songbook - volume 2
Stone Records 5060192780277
5060192780277
5060192780277
(CD DDD)
Why dost thou wound and break my heart? Herrick (1910†)

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

The mad maid’s song Herrick (1910†) orch score lost

Michelle Walton, soprano; Sholto Kynoch, piano

The night piece Herrick (1910†) orch score lost

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

Piping down the valleys wild Blake (1914†)

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

The blossom Blake (1914†)

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

The chimney sweeper Blake (1914†)

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

The fly Blake (1914†)

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

The little black boy Blake (1914†)

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

When the sun goes down Temple Keble (1918†)

Michelle Walton, soprano; Sholto Kynoch, piano

On parting Temple Keble (1918†)

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

Love is a merry game Temple Keble (1918†)

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

The defiled sanctuary Blake (1918-19†)

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

Renunciation Temple Keble (1918-19†)

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

Lady Ellayne Temple Keble (1918-19†)

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

Four miniatures (1919-20†)

Sholto Kynoch, piano

The birds Blake (1919†)

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

The land of dreams Blake (1919†)

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

Handel: Dear Adonis from Venus and Adonis (1937†)

Michelle Walton, soprano; Sholto Kynoch, piano

Handel: Transporting joy from Venus and Adonis (1937†)

Michelle Walton, soprano; Sholto Kynoch, piano

Gretchen songs (1955-56†)

Michelle Walton, soprano; Sholto Kynoch, piano

Recorded: January 2012   Released: April 2014
Location: Potton Hall, Suffolk, U.K.
Producer: Richard Sutcliffe   Engineer: Richard Sutcliffe
In association with the Havergal Brian Society

Testament

Symphony No. 1 The Gothic
Testament SBT2 1454
SBT2 1454
(2 discs)
0749677145422
(CD ADD)
Symphony 1 »The Gothic« (?1919-27†)
(first professional performance)

Honor Sheppard, soprano; Shirley Minty, contralto; Ronald Dowd, tenor; Roger Stalman, bass; BBC Chorus; BBC Choral Society; City of London Choir; Hampstead Choral Society; Emanuel School Choir; Orpington Junior Singers; BBC Symphony Orchestra, conductor Sir Adrian Boult

Recorded: October 1966   Released: January 2010
Location: Royal Albert Hall, London
Engineer: re-mastered by Paul Baily

Plus: Havergal Brian Interviewed for the BBC by J. Behague on 1 January 1966.

The Symphonies of Havergal Brian, Volume 3: Symphonies 30–32, Survey and summing-up – Malcolm MacDonald
HB: Aspects of Havergal Brian – Jürgen Schaarwächter
Opus est: Six Composers from Northern Europe – Paul Rapoport
Havergal Brian’s ‘Gothic symphony’: Two studies – Harold Truscott, Paul Rapoport, Havergal Brian
Music and meaning – Malcolm MacDonald
Brian as Faust – Malcolm MacDonald
Brian as Faust – Larry Alexander
Havergal Brian – The Gothic voice – Pauline Slevin
Havergal Brian’s last testament? – Lionel Pike
The conception of Part 2 – Colin G Davis
Flawed masterpiece? – Jonathan Rutherford
Creating the vocal score of the Gothic – 1 – Jeremy Marchant
Creating the vocal score of the Gothic – 2 – Philip Legge
Creating the vocal score of the Gothic – 3 – Jeremy Marchant
The Logistics of the Gothic symphony – 1 – Philip Legge
The Logistics of the Gothic symphony – 2 – Philip Legge
Beethoven, Berlioz, Brian (or Three Bs and more) – Jürgen Schaarwächter
Brian – the Gothic voice – Pauline Slevin
The Gothic Review – Mike Le Voi, 4MBS Concert Recording Team member
Choral Demands of the ‘Gothic – Jeremy Marchant
Brian’s Choral Challenges in the ‘Gothic’ – 1 – Jeremy Marchant
The Tigers
Testament SBT3 1496
SBT3 1496
(3 discs)
0749677149628
(CD AAD)
The Tigers Brian (1917-29†)

Teresa Cahill (soprano) Mrs Freebody/Lady 1
Alison Hargan (soprano) Columbine/Female in car/Lady Stout
Marilyn Hill-Smith (soprano) Lady 2/Toy seller
Ameral Gunson (mezzo soprano) Lady 3
Ann Marie Owens (alto) Costerwoman/Sweetmeat seller
Paul Crook (tenor) Artist/Bishop/Clergyman 2/Cook 2
Harry Nicoll (tenor) Constable 1/Pantalon
John Winfield (tenor) Coster/Clergyman 1/Cook 1/Old clothes seller
Kenneth Wollam (tenor) Man on elephant/Man in tweeds
Ian Caddy (baritone) Coster 1/Gentleman 1/Policeman 1
Malcolm Donnelly (baritone) Colonel Sir John Stout
Henry Herford (baritone) Gentleman 2
Alan Opie (baritone) Clergyman 5/Napoleon/Young man
Alan Watt (baritone) Coster 3/Clergyman 3/Fruitseller/Policeman 2
Norman Welsby (baritone) Billposterer/Clergyman 4/Elephant keeper/Man’s voice/Police sergeant
Richard Angas (bass-baritone) Alexander the Great/Crier/Constable 2/Guard/Policeman 3
Eric Shilling (bass-baritone) Officer/Regimental sergeant major/Voices
Denis Wicks (bass) Coster 2/Clergyman 6/Red Indian
BBC Singers The Tigers/Crowds
BBC Symphony Orchestra, conductor Lionel Friend
producer Elaine Padmore

Recorded: January 1983   Released: December 2014
In association with the Havergal Brian Society

Box set

Opera with attitude – Kevin Mandry
Investigating The Tigers (2) Costers : Prologue, scene 1 (1) – Adrian Ure
Investigating The Tigers (3) Coppers : Prologue, scene 1 (2) – Adrian Ure
Investigating The Tigers (4) Gentry : Prologue, scene 1 (3) – Adrian Ure
Investigating The Tigers (5) Masks : Prologue, scene 2 – Adrian Ure
Investigating The Tigers (6) The seeds of chaos : Act 1, scene 1 – Adrian Ure
Investigating The Tigers (7) The dogs of war : Act 1, scene 2 – Adrian Ure
Investigating The Tigers (8) Uneasy slumbers : Act 2, scene 1 – Adrian Ure
Investigating The Tigers (9) On parade : Act 2, scene 2 – Adrian Ure
Investigating The Tigers (10) Garden party : Act 2, scene 3 (1) – Adrian Ure
Investigating The Tigers (11) Haymaking : Act 2, scenes 3 (2) and 4 (1) – Adrian Ure
Investigating The Tigers (12) Called to account : Act 2, scenes 4 (2) and 5 – Adrian Ure
Investigating The Tigers (13) Gothic echoes : Act 3, Gargoyles and Lacryma – Adrian Ure
Investigating The Tigers (14) Chinese whispers : Act 3, scenes 1 and 2 (1) – Adrian Ure
Investigating The Tigers (15) Trysting : Act 3, scene 2 (2) – Adrian Ure
Investigating The Tigers (16) Chimes at midnight : Act 3, scene 3 and Finale – Adrian Ure
Let the roar of the Tigers be heard in the land – Malcolm MacDonald
Breaking the mirror… – Larry Alexander
New maps for The Tigers – Penny Scantlebury
The rediscovery of The Tigers – David J Brown
Reward for rediscovery of Brian’s lost scores – press coverage
Fanfare from The grotesques - Malcolm MacDonald

Toccata Classics

Havergal Brian: Songs, Legend for violin and piano
Toccata Classics TOCC 0005
TOCC 0005
5060113440051
(CD ADD)
Sorrow song Samuel Daniel (?1904-06†)

Brian Rayner Cooke, baritone; Roger Vignoles, piano

The message Donne (?1904-06†)

Brian Rayner Cooke, baritone; Roger Vignoles, piano

Farewell Bishop Heber (?1904-06†)

Brian Rayner Cooke, baritone; Roger Vignoles, piano

Why dost thou wound and break my heart? Herrick (1910†)

Brian Rayner Cooke, baritone; Roger Vignoles, piano

The chimney sweeper Blake (1914†)

Brian Rayner Cooke, baritone; Roger Vignoles, piano

Piping down the valleys wild Blake (1914†)

Brian Rayner Cooke, baritone; Roger Vignoles, piano

Love is a merry game Temple Keble (1918†)

Brian Rayner Cooke, baritone; Roger Vignoles, piano

On parting Temple Keble (1918†)

Brian Rayner Cooke, baritone; Roger Vignoles, piano

The defiled sanctuary Blake (1918-19†)

Brian Rayner Cooke, baritone; Roger Vignoles, piano

Lady Ellayne Temple Keble (1918-19†)

Brian Rayner Cooke, baritone; Roger Vignoles, piano

Renunciation Temple Keble (1918-19†)

Brian Rayner Cooke, baritone; Roger Vignoles, piano

Care-charmer sleep Samuel Daniel (1919†)

Brian Rayner Cooke, baritone; Roger Vignoles, piano

The land of dreams Blake (1919†)

Brian Rayner Cooke, baritone; Roger Vignoles, piano

When icicles hang by the wall Shakespeare (1919†)

Brian Rayner Cooke, baritone; Roger Vignoles, piano

Legend (?1919†)

Steven Levine, violin; Peter Lawson, piano

Take, O take those lips away Shakespeare (1919-21)

Brian Rayner Cooke, baritone; Roger Vignoles, piano

The soul of steel C. M. Masterman (1920-21)

Brian Rayner Cooke, baritone; Roger Vignoles, piano

Since love is dead Bowles (c.1922-23†)

Brian Rayner Cooke, baritone; Roger Vignoles, piano

Recorded: December 1981, April 1982, May 1982   Released: March 2005
Location: Wigmore Hall, London W1, Craxton Studios, London NW3
Producer: Rick Potter   Engineer: Jules Smith
In association with the Havergal Brian Society
Review of Brian Rayner Cook/Roger Vignoles recording – Godfrey Berry
A note on the dating of The birds and The land of dreams – Malcolm MacDonald
Introduction – David Hackbridge Johnson
Review of Reid/Barrow recording of Legend – Martin Anderson
Havergal Brian: Orchestral Music, Volume One
Toccata Classics TOCC 0110
TOCC 0110
5060113441102
(CD DDD)
Burlesque variations on an original theme (1903†)

BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, conductor Garry Walker

English suite 5 »Rustic scenes« (1953†)

BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, conductor Garry Walker

Elegy (1954†)

BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, conductor Garry Walker

Legend »Ave atque vale (Hail and farewell)« (1968†)

BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, conductor Garry Walker

Recorded: July 2009   Released: March 2011
Location: City Halls, Glasgow
Producer: Simon Lord   Engineer: Graeme Taylor
In association with the Havergal Brian Society
Brian and variation form (1) – Malcolm MacDonald
The importance of Elegy – Malcolm MacDonald
Havergal Brian: Orchestral Music, Volume Two
Toccata Classics TOCC 0113
TOCC 0113
5060113441133
(CD DDD)
Symphonic variations »on Has anybody here seen Kelly?« (1921-22†)

BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, conductor Garry Walker

Three pieces from Turandot (1950-51†) extracted by HB, 1962

BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, conductor Garry Walker

Turandot Suite (1950-51) arr MacDonald 1975

BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, conductor Garry Walker

Preludio tragico (1951-52†)

BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, conductor Garry Walker

Night ride of Faust and Mephistopheles (1955-56†)
(first performance)

BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, conductor Garry Walker

Recorded: June 2009   Released: December 2011
Location: City Halls, Glasgow
Producer: Simon Lord   Engineer: Graeme Taylor
In association with the Havergal Brian Society

Warner Classics

Sir Charles Groves - British Music
Warner Classics 0825646147243
0825646147243
(24 discs)
0825646147243
(CD)
Symphony 8 (1949†)
(World premiere recording)

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Sir Charles Groves

Symphony 9 (1951†)

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Sir Charles Groves

Recorded: July 1977   Released: 2015
Location: Abbey Road Studio 1, London
Producer: John Willan   Engineer: John Kurlander

First issued on an EMI CD in 1989, and then in 2002 as part of a 2 CD compilation with Sir Charles Mackerras' performances of symphonies 7 and 31