Havergal Brian.

[vandermolen]

The Prodigal Son returns... 'I'll be back' - but that's a different franchise... Enjoy your mug, and Brabbins!

Thank you!

I've always identified with Arnie 

[John Whitmore]

You will find this somewhat strange. I have all the Gothic recordings but don't much care for the piece. It's probably done more harm than good to the composer's reputation. I sometimes listen to the orchestral part but rarely venture any further, except for the final few bars which are utterly inspired. I enjoy the Curro for it's enthusiasm, sense of occasion and freshness despite the orchestra being less than immaculate. Overall I would go for the LSO and Schmidt but all of them are OK. Just get them all and enjoy the ride (until the singing kicks in!  )

[vandermolen]

You will find this somewhat strange. I have all the Gothic recordings but don't much care for the piece. It's probably done more harm than good to the composer's reputation. I sometimes listen to the orchestral part but rarely venture any further, except for the final few bars which are utterly inspired. I enjoy the Curro for it's enthusiasm, sense of occasion and freshness despite the orchestra being less than immaculate. Overall I would go for the LSO and Schmidt but all of them are OK. Just get them all and enjoy the ride (until the singing kicks in!  )

Very interesting post. I agree and love the orchestral sections of the 'Gothic' and also agree that the final bars are indeed wonderful. Cumulatively though, especially in concert, it is a magnificent work.

[J.Z. Herrenberg]

The 'Judex' movement of Part 2 is extraordinary. I never had any problems with the other movements, either. I agree with John that The Gothic probably did Brian a disservice, not because of anything he or it did, but because it created all kinds of misconceptions about the composer and his work.

[John Whitmore]

The 'Judex' movement of Part 2 is extraordinary. I never had any problems with the other movements, either. I agree with John that The Gothic probably did Brian a disservice, not because of anything he or it did, but because it created all kinds of misconceptions about the composer and his work.

To be cheeky, what you mean is that some people heard the Gothic, thought "what a terrible piece" and then moved on to other composers!  Had the Gothic never existed and either No.8 or 10 had been the first Brian pieces on the radar maybe attitudes would be different.

[J.Z. Herrenberg]

To be cheeky, what you mean is that some people heard the Gothic, thought "what a terrible piece" and then moved on to other composers! 

Can't imagine anyone reacting that way.

[Maestro267]

The Gothic was what needed to come out of Brian at the time he wrote it. And it needed to have those enormous forces. Everything any composer ever writes is what is needed at the time. It's ignorant and snobbish critics who have forced these misconceptions. But finally people are getting a chance to destroy those misconceptions and make a judgment of the music for themselves. That's all we ask for is a chance. Many of us, having taken this chance, have gained an admiration for Brian's music, and that's a wonderful thing.

[J.Z. Herrenberg]

Hear hear!

[John Whitmore]

Can't imagine anyone reacting that way.

You've not met my wife though have you........

[J.Z. Herrenberg]

You've not met my wife though have you........

My spouse likes Brian. My former spouse, I should say... !

[vandermolen]

'Must we listen to this noise?'

'Sounds like World War Three going on in there'.

My wife's habitual response to the music I play (not just HB).

She does, however, like Klaus Egge's String Quartet (Naxos).



PS She was more polite, however, when we were first going out. I recall playing her John Foulds's 'Dynamic Triptych' and her saying: 'Well, it certainly is very dynamic!'

[Christo]

Being a Brianite and a Brabbinite, I'd vote for Brabbins.

... because of Brabbins' bite or is it tight? 

[kyjo]

Thanks for the extensive and helpful feedback everyone

[J.Z. Herrenberg]

'Must we listen to this noise?'

'Sounds like World War Three going on in there'.

My wife's habitual response to the music I play (not just HB).

She does, however, like Klaus Egge's String Quartet (Naxos).



PS She was more polite, however, when we were first going out. I recall playing her John Foulds's 'Dynamic Triptych' and her saying: 'Well, it certainly is very dynamic!'

My mother always asked, when I listened to Wagner's Ring: 'Are they sawing that woman in half?'

[J.Z. Herrenberg]

Thanks for the extensive and helpful feedback everyone

You're welcome. I hope you'll come to understand the logic of 'The Gothic'...

[Klaatu]

I've always believed that a first-rate, committed performance of No 10 at the Proms should be a major goal.

In an ideal world, Proms performances of 6, 8, 10, 16 and 30 would present the composer in the best possible light, and would begin to erode the 'gigantic, unperformable behemoth' reputation which clings to his symphonies.

[J.Z. Herrenberg]

I've always believed that a first-rate, committed performance of No 10 at the Proms should be a major goal.

In an ideal world, Proms performances of 6, 8, 10, 16 and 30 would present the composer in the best possible light, and would begin to erode the 'gigantic, unperformable behemoth' reputation which clings to his symphonies.

It would be wonderful if the Controller would program one of those works... It's out of our hands, though, and the HBS's.

[André]

'Must we listen to this noise?'

'Sounds like World War Three going on in there'.

My wife's habitual response to the music I play (not just HB).

She does, however, like Klaus Egge's String Quartet (Naxos).



PS She was more polite, however, when we were first going out. I recall playing her John Foulds's 'Dynamic Triptych' and her saying: 'Well, it certainly is very dynamic!'

Over here it's a question of decibels. I can get away with low sound levels, but not so with the harpsichord. Even when just faintly tickling in the background, she always goes "you know I HATE harpsichord !!" . Any organ sound will provoke the comment "Are we at Mass here ?"

Ah la la... 

[vandermolen]

My mother always asked, when I listened to Wagner's Ring: 'Are they sawing that woman in half?'

Very funny!

[vandermolen]

I've always believed that a first-rate, committed performance of No 10 at the Proms should be a major goal.

In an ideal world, Proms performances of 6, 8, 10, 16 and 30 would present the composer in the best possible light, and would begin to erode the 'gigantic, unperformable behemoth' reputation which clings to his symphonies.

I agree. Maybe, if nothing else, they could squeeze in No.22 which says a lot in a short time.