Immerse yourself in the profound and dramatic world of Havergal Brian with this captivating album, set to release on March 28, 2025, under the Hyperion label. Spanning a concise yet intense duration of 1 hour and 7 minutes, this collection showcases Brian's masterful compositional prowess through two symphonies and an orchestral work based on the ancient Greek tragedy "Agamemnon" by Aeschylus.
The album opens with Symphony No. 6, subtitled "Sinfonia Tragica," a powerful and evocative work that explores themes of tragedy and despair. The four movements of this symphony take the listener on a journey through a range of emotions, from the intense and dramatic opening Allegro ma non troppo to the solemn and reflective Lento solenne.
Following this, the album presents Symphony No. 12, a work that contrasts with the tragic themes of the sixth symphony. This symphony is characterized by its lively and energetic rhythms, as heard in the Allegro vivo of the fourth movement.
The final part of the album is dedicated to "Agamemnon," a dramatic orchestral work that brings to life the ancient Greek tragedy. Through a series of vivid and evocative scenes, Brian masterfully captures the tension and drama of the original play, culminating in the powerful and intense final movement.
Havergal Brian's unique style and innovative approach to composition make this album a standout addition to any classical music collection. Whether you're a longtime fan of Brian's work or a newcomer to his music, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
Tracks
Symphony No. 6 "Sinfonia Tragica": I. Allegro ma non troppoHavergal Brian, English National Opera Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Symphony No. 6 "Sinfonia Tragica": II. Lento –Havergal Brian, English National Opera Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Symphony No. 6 "Sinfonia Tragica": III. Lento solenne –Havergal Brian, English National Opera Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Symphony No. 6 "Sinfonia Tragica": IV. Lontano – Allegro vivaceHavergal Brian, English National Opera Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Symphony No. 12: I. Adagio –Havergal Brian, English National Opera Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Symphony No. 12: II. A tempo marcia lento –Havergal Brian, English National Opera Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Symphony No. 12: III. Adagio espressivo –Havergal Brian, English National Opera Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Symphony No. 12: IV. Allegro vivoHavergal Brian, English National Opera Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Agamemnon: I. I Pray the Gods a Respite from These Toils (Watchman) –Havergal Brian, Robert Murray, English National Opera Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Agamemnon: II. Look! What Is It? (Chorus)Havergal Brian, English National Opera Chorus, English National Opera Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Agamemnon: III. Soon We Shall Know (Clytemnestra)Havergal Brian, Eleanor Dennis, English National Opera Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Agamemnon: IV. Hail, Argive Land! (Herald, Chorus) –Havergal Brian, Clive Bayley, English National Opera Chorus, English National Opera Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Agamemnon: V. What a Dreadful Tale! (Chorus)Havergal Brian, English National Opera Chorus, English National Opera Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Agamemnon: VI. First, Argos Hail (Agamemnon) –Havergal Brian, John Findon, English National Opera Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Agamemnon: VII. Men! Citizens! (Clytemnestra, Agamemnon) –Havergal Brian, Eleanor Dennis, John Findon, English National Opera Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Agamemnon: VIII. Whence these shapes of fear that haunt me? (Chorus)Havergal Brian, English National Opera Chorus, English National Opera Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Agamemnon: IX. Come Thou, Too, In (Clytemnestra, Old Man)Havergal Brian, Eleanor Dennis, Clive Bayley, English National Opera Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Agamemnon: X. Ha! The House of the Atridae! (Cassandra, Old Man) –Havergal Brian, Stephanie Wake-Edwards, Clive Bayley, English National Opera Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Agamemnon: XI. O I Am Struck! Struck with a Mortal Blow! (Agamemnon, Clytemnestra, Old Man, Chorus)Havergal Brian, John Findon, Eleanor Dennis, Clive Bayley, English National Opera Chorus, English National Opera Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Agamemnon: XII. Time Shall Come, Avenging Time (Clytemnestra, Chorus)Havergal Brian, Eleanor Dennis, English National Opera Chorus, English National Opera Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
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