Havergal Brian Symphony No. 2

[Wieland]

I am not sure whether this composer is considered being within the remit of this forum, but maybe his early works are. The 2nd symphony was composed in 1930/31 - four years after the impressive first - and although the forces are "smaller" we still talk about a Mahlerian Orchestra plus 3 timpanists, two pianos, an organ and - for the 5 min 3rd movement - 16 (!!!) Waldhörner. Very practical for a period when European economies were still struggling hard with the results of the financial crisis of 1929. The music is a strange mixture of Mahler, Scriabin, Schönbergs Gurrelieder and the symphony Franz Schreker never wrote plus some typical Brianesque oddities. Like most other symphonies of this composer it is perhaps not fully successful but impressive enough to merit attention. Especially with this new recording from Dutton with Martyn Brabbins conducting the RSNO which is marvelous.

http://www.duttonvocalion.co.uk/proddetail.php?prod=CDLX7330

[Alan Howe]

It's a fine CD, but much of the music is beyond our remit, I'm afraid.

[Mark Thomas]

I certainly agree that it's outside our scope, yes.