Havergal Brian Symphonic Series Concludes in Fine Style

The sales sheet for this release notes that "This issue completes the commercial recording of all 32 of Brian’s symphonies." Well, that may be true, but it's a little confusing.

First, not all the symphonies have been recorded by Naxos/Marco Polo. Although with 17 of Brian's 32 symphonies in their catalog, Naxos has definitely recorded the most.

There are a few others available on other labels, but eleven of the symphonies reside in out of print recordings. Here's hoping Naxos takes the extra step and finishes their own traversal of Brian's symphonies.

None of that diminishes this release. The three works presented represent three milestones in Brian's career. The Symphony No. 8, completed in 1949, was the first performed in public. Symphony No. 21 was the first to be commercially recorded, and Symphony No. 26 the last. This is its world premiere recording.

Brian may be best remembered for his 1919 record-breaking first symphony, the"Gothic." With over 200 performers and a playing time close to 2 hours, it's a massive work. But Brian's style evolved dramatically over time.

By the early 1950s, Brian had condensed his musical language into an efficient, compact form. Symphony No. 8 is one of three he completed in short order that consist of a single movement. It's a wonderfully succinct work, with no wasted motion.

Fast forward a decade, and Brian's language becomes more expansive, but not excessively so. The Symphony No. 21 is a model of classical form, with four distinct movements. Of the three symphonies in this program, I think it has the most innovative orchestration. To my ears, most of the symphony has a chamber music quality to it.

Symphony No. 26 from 1966 condenses the symphonic form from four movements to three. Brian pushes the limits of tonality with this work. And while it's highly chromatic, the lyrism that's the heart of Brian's style still shines through. The New Russia State Symphony Orchestra has a fine sound in these recordings. Alexander Walker knows what he's about. Each symphony has its own well-defined narrative flow.

Even if you're not especially interested in British music, these works are worth a listen.

Havergal Brian: Symphonies Nos. 8, 21, and 26
New Russia State Symphony Orchestra; Alexander Walker, conductor
Naxos