Fans of Havergal Brian may like to know that a large number of off-air recordings of otherwise-unobtainable works are available for download including Symphonies 5, 10, 13, 14, 19, 23, 26, 27, 28, 29, 30 and the Prologue to his opera Faust.
These files have now being transferred to the British music broadcasts thread.
What a treasure trove of music! I am enjoying the 5th symphony as I write this, an impressive piece. Thank you for the url
Quote from: oldman on Monday 13 December 2010, 02:25
What a treasure trove of music! I am enjoying the 5th symphony as I write this, an impressive piece. Thank you for the url
Do have a listen to
both performances of
Wine of Summer (Symphony No.5) - the Donald Maxwell (2001) is better recorded but the Brian Rayner Cook (1976) is better sung!
Especially important are excellent performances of the 10th and the 2nd - the latter (BBC Symphony Orchestra/ Mackerras, 1979) is vastly superior to that in the aborted Marco Polo/ Naxos series although the sound is a bit recessed.
No need for cds I've downloaded the whole group into my ancient mp3 player and I've just gotten to symphony# 27. Its been a great day of listening.
Thanks again for the url.
I've heard a number of these older recordings either via Aries pressings or otherwise (and I heard the 2001 performance of no.5 at the time it was broadcast) - I recall there is at least one and maybe two other performance(s) of no.2 conducted I believe by Leslie Head as mentioned at havergalbrian.org; both performances have their points - I haven't yet heard that on Marco Polo. And two broadcasts, including the public premiere, of no.4 (hrm, not available at that URL? maybe later...) to compare to Leaper's - I ultimately prefer the broadcasts though I still like Leaper's; terrific piece.
What a treasure trove. I have downloaded some of these items before,but not both recordings of the 'Wine of Summer,and maybe not No 2 ?
Anyway,listening to the two recordings 'side by side',as it were,reminded me of how superior the Brian Rayner Cook interpretation is. I had this on tape years ago,but the rotten tape recorder finally decided to chew it up,along with 'The Tigers' (complete opera),and the Symphony No 2. Hearing it on R3's 'Composer of the Week' and not having heard it for years I rather overated it. Yes indeed Albion,you are quite right,Cook's interpretation just has far more bite. Maxwell sings quite well,but he doesn't have Cook's emotional or psychological insight. I also find Maxwell's singing a bit 'woolly',(if yer no wot I mean!?).
Despite the age of the recording I also,again,feel the earlier performance has more bite,and I would prefer to listen to it,even if the recording quality isn't as good.
I think the 'Wine of Summer' is a marvellous piece,and I really do hope that when someone finally gets to record it they will choose a soloist who has as much insight as Brian Rayner Cook.
As to No 2. This was my first opportunity to hear the score for some years. Unfortunately,I had the Marco Polo recording,which is absolutely terrible. Listening to the bbc recording reminded me of what a wonderful score this is. It has a dream like almost 'phantasmagorical' quality to it,and themes which really stay in your head. And I mean in a good way........not like Abba!!!
No Violin Concerto,unfortunately. I accidentally taped over the last two or three minutes of the Ralph Holmes recording, (Aaaaaaaaaagh!),which I still have. I don't like the Naxos version as much. The performance sounds so 'rushed'. It would be wonderful if Holmes performance could be released on cd one day.
I will tackle the later symphonies as soon as I have the time.
Finally,I really would like to urge anyone who hasn't heard Brian's songs,to get the cd of them. I still have the original Lp,which I had when I was a teenager, They are some of the most enjoyable songs I have ever listened to,and allot of them are very tuneful. So much so,that I would find myself singing them in the bath,or while washing up! Thankfully,for you people,I won't be releasing my interpretation on cd any time soon!
Oh and,if you have only heard the Naxos performance of 'Festal Dance',and didn't think much of it,try and get hold of the Hull Youth Symphony interpretation of it,who include the eccentric percussion and really bring out all the fun and humour of this eccentric 'lollipop. The Naxos performance is a humour free trudge!
Great news - the RSNO under Martyn Brabbins have recorded Symphonies 10 & 30, the Concerto for Orchestra and the English Suite No.3 for Dutton (to be released early in 2011)!
That is great news - I enjoy symphony no.30 and am not even sure I hear the fumbling MacDonald refers to in the finale of the broadcast performance (I'm sure it's the same one I've heard that he meant) but a new performance and recording, a commercial recording too, is great news, likewise the first recording of no.10 in years...
btw, anyone in Brisbane catching the Gothic next week? (I'm not even in the right hemisphere unfortunately. I didn't remember or realize it was happening, and might not have been able to get there - but such great news after twenty years.)
Regarding the 'Brisbane Gothic'. Does anyone here know whether the performance will be broadcast & hopefully recorded for posterity? I believe a programme about the Brisbane performance has been filmed. Some of the stuff about the so called 'curse',on the Queensland site is amusing,but a bit OTT! I don't think that sort of thing helps Brian's cause really.
Great news about the Dutton cd,though,Albion. With the Toccata cd's hopefully in the 'pipeline',fingers crossed, there is a renaissance of interest in HB on the horizon.
Strange contrast! I have Aretha Franklin on the cd player at the moment. A bit different to HB,eh?
As long as you give HB his R-E-S-P-E-C-T!
Regarding the Toccata recordings, I understand that the repertoire is:
CD1 - Burlesque Variations on an Original Theme; English Suite No.5; Elegy; Legend, Ave atque vale
CD2 - Symphonic Variations from The Tigers; Preludio Tragico from The Cenci; Suite from Turandot; Night Ride of Faust and Mephistopheles from Faust
Together with the forthcoming Dutton disc (Symphonies 10 & 30, Concerto for Orchestra, English Suite No.3), these will be milestone recordings and greatly expand our awareness of Brian's achievement.
Apparently the Cello Concerto has also been recorded recently (further details unknown at the moment, but the source is very reliable).
Thank you,Albion. I will keep an eye out for those. Actually,I'll probably find out here,won't I? This is where I first heard about the Testament release of the Boult/ Gothic,after all. If you'll pardon the canine comparison,when it comes to forthcoming releases of neglected composers,you're like a pack of bloodhounds,here!
I don't know why I brought in Aretha Franklin,( the 'Queen of Soul'),I think it was just the thought of all those HB society members having to return the favour,(to the Rex Foundation),by attending a 'Grateful Dead' concert. They are so lucky that Abba aren't Havergal Brian fans! (With apologies to any Abba fans here?!!).
Regarding the 'Cello Concerto' & 'Concerto for Orchestra'. I have heard these via off air cassette recordings and didn't think too much of them,at the time,but the sound quality was awful and probably didn't help. The 'Faust' prologue is fantastic,very well performed & makes you long to hear the rest. I live in hope!
By the way,did anyone hear ever have a copy of the Aries Lp of Brians 'Wine of Summer'? I remember Brian Rayner Cook requesting a copy for his own personal collection. I do wonder where the Aries 'label' was actually based,(in the US,but it's a big place!), & who was really behind those releases. Okay,the sound quality & approach was decidedly dodgy,but they had some very good taste in music,and in a way,they did do some frustrated classical music fans a favour. Also,producing the Lp's would have been a more arduous and costly operation in those pre pc cd days. (I seem to recall that they produced Lp's of some other composers,including Malcolm Arnold and Fricker). I wonder whether the truth about this outfit will ever be known? Will the 'pirates' step forward.....I'm sure they would have an interesting story to tell!
Re Aries, a friend of mine was convinced that the work they released as Villa-Lobos' symphony no.2 was no such thing (this was in an email sent me before cpo released a recording of the same work - I don't know what comparison of the two recordings would reveal and haven't yet asked; and the Villa-Lobos symphonies website lists both in the symphony no.2 discography, but ultimately I'd have to hear both of them myself. ) Well, the approach was also dodgy in the renaming of conductors and orchestras in e.g. many of the Brian releases (iirc, again.) But I remain glad to have had that introduction to the music myself.
As an adjunct to the excellent recent Dutton disc of Symphonies Nos. 9 and 11 in vintage performances
http://www.duttonvocalion.co.uk/proddetail.asp?prod=CDBP9798 (http://www.duttonvocalion.co.uk/proddetail.asp?prod=CDBP9798)
two further essential downloads are available via the Havergal Brian Society website, namely Symphony No.8 (BBC SO/ Rudolf Schwarz, 20th December 1958) and the world premiere of No.12 (LSO/ Harry Newstone, 8th April 1959):
http://www.havergalbrian.org/download2.htm (http://www.havergalbrian.org/download2.htm)
All four of these archive recordings are well worth acquiring and complement the more recent versions of 8 & 9 (both Groves, EMI), 11 & 12 (Leaper, Naxos).
The Dutton is excellent. The age of the recordings doesn't get in the way of enjoyment of the music,at all.
Some rather unexpected but fantastic news - Havergal Brian's Gothic symphony is being performed at the Proms July 17, 2011 with the BBC National Orchestra of Wales conducted by Martyn Brabbins!
And if someone - like Chandos, for example - doesn't do a recording on the back of the performance, well, that's a crime against Brian, folk like us, and dammit, humanity in general.
Peter
Quote from: petershott@btinternet.com on Sunday 19 December 2010, 09:47
And if someone - like Chandos, for example - doesn't do a recording on the back of the performance, well, that's a crime against Brian, folk like us, and dammit, humanity in general.
Peter
I've just posted a query on the Chandos forum!
To date, Chandos appear to have very little interest in Brian,sadly. On the other hand,even if they don't like his music,the 'Gothic' has such cult status,and the Marco Polo/ Naxos recording is supposed to be one of their best ever in terms of sales. Surely,they'd have be daft to miss out!
I must admit when I saw this post,my initial reaction was,it can't be April the 1st,yet?
However,If I read that 'The Tiger's' is being staged in London,next year,I will get suspicious!
NB If Chando do,they ARE!
In fact,I will lay my cards on the table & say that,in my opinion,only some kind of genius could compose two pieces of music like the 'Gothic' AND 'The Tigers',at (around)the same time. Mind boggling,to put it mildly! It's time he got his due. When you think of some of the pretentious rubbish that's touted,(unmade beds & pickled sharks...),it makes your blood boil....even in this weather!
Brrrrr!
There is now a copy of the 1983 BBC recording of Havergal Brian's The Tigers in the British music broadcasts thread.
Thanks very much Albion. I haven't been able to hear this for years. I used to have cassette tapes of it,but eventually,the mean old machine,chewed them up. I used to listen to it over & over again,to the extent that I would find myself singing bits of it in the 'bath',or while doing the washing up! It is a very 'singable' opera,especially the Prologue,with the Town crier,and the extroadinary scene where the sleeping Colonel,(hope I remember correctly),is visited by a 'Red Indian' and a bit where a woman (?),berates him for being 'very heavy on his underthings'! This scene & the 'Prologue',unlike many other so called comic opera's,contain some very funny moments,which could be even better on stage,in a well staged performance. It realy IS a marvellous opera. The performance and characterisations are spot on,just listen to the Colonel and Town Crier! It could hardly have been done better. In fact it's so good that maybe the best way of bringing this opera to the greater public would be to release the recording onto cd, rather spend more money on a new recording. Surely,there must be a way!
PS: Yes,I know,money.
Cheers albion!
Here are some details regarding the eagerly-awaited first volume of Toccata's marvellous Havergal Brian initiative:
http://www.toccataclassics.com/cddetail.php?CN=TOCC0110
(http://www.toccataclassics.com/cddetail.php?CN=TOCC0110)
With a release date of 17th February, this should coincide with another exciting new disc from Dutton (Symphonies 10 & 30, Concerto for Orchestra and English Suite No.3).
The second Toccata volume is due to contain orchestral extracts from the operas - Symphonic Variations (The Tigers), Preludio Tragico (The Cenci), Nine movements (Turandot); Night Ride of Faust and Mephistopheles (Faust)
What a great year in prospect!
Hip! Hip! Hooray!
Have heard some but not all of those works (some, like the Concerto for Orchestra, only in horrible sound). Seconded!!
The 1974 BBC recording of Das Siegeslied (Symphony No.4) can now be found in the British music broadcasts thread.
I used to have an LP of this performance - with all the names changed, of course. Trouble was, the sound was so awful I couldn't make head nor tail of the piece - and it's a very, very demanding listen in the first place!
Quote from: Alan Howe on Friday 31 December 2010, 13:58
I used to have an LP of this performance - with all the names changed, of course. Trouble was, the sound was so awful I couldn't make head nor tail of the piece - and it's a very, very demanding listen in the first place!
The audio file, taken from a copy of the Aries LP, is surprisingly clear. Having got to know
Das Siegeslied through the Adrian Leaper recording (Marco Polo/ Naxos) I must say that I prefer John Poole's 1974 performance - everything seems to hang together better with the music given more space to breathe.
Considering that it was the first public performance, the quality of singing and playing is remarkably high and largely accident-free! Malcolm Macdonald counts the 4th as amongst Brian's best symphonies - I'm not sure I would go as far as that, but I find it absorbing and endlessly inventive: it still awaits the full-throttle virtuosic performance that it clearly deserves.
How enlightening to be able to listen to the Poole performance of 'Das Siegeslied' again,courtesy of Albion, (although I do have a cassette,replete with annoying side break,somewhere). Who cares if it's not hi fi quality,this performance leaves the Naxos recording standing. It realy sweeps you along! The Marco Polo performances put me off these works for years. I actually started to believe Brian's critics. Then,along came the Testament cds of the 'Gothic' & Albion's mp3 of 'Das Siegeslied',and suddenly I'm swept along by Brian mania all over again! Looking at various message boards I am given to understand that I am not the only one who has been unhappy with the Naxos efforts. And yes, I suppose I should be grateful,but I'm NOT,because they put me off these tremendous works.
PS: I wonder if Valerie McLennan made any commercial recordings? She's even better than Felicity Palmer,whose one of my favourite singers!!!!
The LP I had was just terrible. Put me right off. It took the distortion-free Naxos CD to bring a cringe-free listening experience for me. Mind you, the piece is a bit of a juggernaut, isn't it? Great music? Probably. But a really tough nut to crack.
Of course,some people are very happy with the Naxos recordings. Maybe,it's just because I got used to the earlier performances. The choirs are certainly very impressive on the Marco Polo recording & arguably sing with greater fervour.
The 'Poole' recording I had was a dolby cassette copy & may have been an off air copy,rather than via the Aries lp,which I never owned. I certainly prefer Felicity Palmer to the Naxos soloist, but my problem with the work always boils down to the final movement which has some superb moments,but seems to go on far to long,for it's own good.
Quote from: Albion on Sunday 26 December 2010, 12:36
Here are some details regarding the eagerly-awaited first volume of Toccata's marvellous Havergal Brian initiative:
http://www.toccataclassics.com/cddetail.php?CN=TOCC0110
(http://www.toccataclassics.com/cddetail.php?CN=TOCC0110)
With a release date of 17th February, this should coincide with another exciting new disc from Dutton (Symphonies 10 & 30, Concerto for Orchestra and English Suite No.3).
The second Toccata volume is due to contain orchestral extracts from the operas - Symphonic Variations (The Tigers), Preludio Tragico (The Cenci), Nine movements (Turandot); Night Ride of Faust and Mephistopheles (Faust)
What a great year in prospect!
Hooray - Toccata TOCC0110 just fell through the letter-box! ;D
I must admit to liking earlier Brian.generally,and I don't think the Burlesque Variations are exactly 'must have',even if they are by Brian,( Vol 2,sounds like a cracker though!). On the other hand these are the kind of performances & state of the art recordings that might finalLy convince sceptics,(of 'late' Brian),like me! At the same time,having said that,'late' Brian is intriguing & in an odd kind of way,once you start listening,even if you don't quite like it,hard to turn off. I remember someone comparing it to a cryptic crossword,which seems a pretty good analogy to me. Nevertheless,after a couple of fallow years,isn't it just great that interest in this undeniably fascinating composer seems to be picking up again? I remember that even on the old,rather snooty,(and vindictive!), unlamented Radio 3 message boards,even the slightest mention of Brian was enough to get a pile of posts going;and most of them 'for',rather than,'against'.
PS: Who cares what I think. Buy and enjoy!
The new Toccata Havergal Brian CD is a truly fascinating listen - wonderful as it is to have excellent performances of Elegy and Ave atque vale, the highlight for me has been the 1903 Burlesque Variations on an Original Theme. This extraordinary work shows Brian's elliptical style already fully-formed at the age of 27, with phantasmogorical orchestral textures which even he would not later rival: had this piece achieved a first-class performance when it was written I'm convinced that it would have created something of a sensation. Hats off to Martin for a splendid release - roll on Volume 2!
Quite! I think Havergal Brian just had allot of bad luck.
Well, yes. Being born in Stoke-on-Trent didn't get him off to a good start.
Quote from: petershott@btinternet.com on Saturday 26 February 2011, 17:34
Well, yes. Being born in Stoke-on-Trent didn't get him off to a good start.
Anything like South Bronx?
Akron, OH more like.
Eeeeeeewwwwwwwwwwww! :P