Search - Havergal Brian, Lionel Friend, Glasgow BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra :: Havergal Brian: Violin Concerto; Symphony No. 18; The Jolly Miller Overture

Late Romantic Gems

James F. McGrath | Indianapolis, Indiana, USA | 02/09/2006

(4 out of 5 stars)

"The other review posted thus far is by someone who simply does not like late romantic music. Havergal Brian ought to be judged not only in terms of his failure to compose pieces that depart sufficiently from tonality. For anyone who enjoys music of the very late romantic period (Kurt Atterberg, to mention but one of my favorites), Brian's music will be a delight.



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Sadly pedestrian performances of wonderful music...

M. V. Sanderford | Danville, VA USA | 05/17/2008

(3 out of 5 stars)

"Every now and then, one comes across somebody who is so utterly wrong, one can only respond with astonishment rather than anger. Havergal Brian, a musical genius if there ever was one, towers head and shoulders about all but a couple of the composers mentioned in that negative review, although this CD is not the best indication of that fact. As a trained musician, with a degree in music composition, and someone who can read a score, as well as COMPREHEND the meaning of a complex work of music, I can tell you that Brian will eventually be recognized as one of the most important symphonists of the 20th century. This was also the opinion of Dr. Robert Simpson, no inconsiderable composer himself, as well as many major conductors and composers. But then, think of the ignorant comments that have been made about the painters Turner, van Gogh, Whistler, etc.etc, .. as well as Beethoven, Mahler, Ives, and Bruckner! It seems that the greater the artist, the more profound the incomprehension among the ignorant. Havergal Brian was no amateur - his elliptical harmonic motion, craggy lack of transitional materials, and refusal to resort to the banal technical devices that provide a comforting sense of familiarity to shallow dilettantes give his best music a craggy integrity - full of surprising juxtapositions and unexpected twists and turns that only reveal themselves to be perfectly "right" after repeated listenings. Brain is also a very, very, deep composer - his best works have a profundity of feeling and thought that reveals itself more and more with repeated listenings. Some people, however want merely to be entertained. For THAT, one can go to many of the composers named in a previous review. That being said, this CD is not a very successful example of Brian's work because the performances are limp and tentative. The violinist is fine, but has to struggle against an ineptly played orchestral accompaniment. The 18th Symphony (one of Brain's more neoclassical works - though rather fierce at that) doesn't come off because of Friend's weak and cautious conducting. The CD set of Brian's 7th, 8th, and 9th symphonies is the best place to start. If you are really on a budget, Penny's wonderful performances of Brian's Syms. 20, and 25 will give you an example of his musical language, if not a sample of his very best work."