Havergal Brian.

[J.Z. Herrenberg]

Hi John - I'm afraid I know as much as you do...  We'll have to be patient a little more, it seems.

[J.Z. Herrenberg]

I just bought (downloaded) the new Naxos Brian CD at ClassicsOnline and listened here and there: ending of the Symphonia Brevis, for instance, and the Carnival movement from the Suite - terrific! Sound is excellent and I can clearly hear that the conductor knows exactly what he is doing. I'll listen to the whole CD later tonight, but I am already very relieved AND very excited!

[J.Z. Herrenberg]

Listened to symphonies 22-24... This CD is an absolute winner. It gives you that real Brian frisson, reminding you why you love the man's music so much. No. 22 gets its best performance ever, I think. The tempi are all well-judged, Alexander Walker knows when to tighten the reins and when to let rip, so the music flows and breathes very naturally. No. 23 is a revelation. To my ears it now clearly points ahead to No. 27 and 28 in the extreme intensity of some its passages. I am very impressed by what has been achieved here by the orchestra. It's quite a ride! No. 24 is excellent, too. Perhaps (minor, very minor niggle) the tempo of the final slow movement could be a tad slower. But who cares - I was moved. It all comes together wonderfully, you can hear the unity of this trilogy for the first time.

[Karl Henning]

Thanks for that, most interesting, Johan.

So the English Suite is actually longer than any of the actual symphonies on that CD? Curious!

[Karl Henning]

Actually . . . actual . . . haven't finished my first mug of tea this morning, can you tell? . . .

[J.Z. Herrenberg]

Yes...  Still, one eagle eye spotted the remarkable fact that the Suite is longer than any of the symphonies. So there is hope for you after all.

[Sergeant Rock]

Thanks for that, most interesting, Johan.

So the English Suite is actually longer than any of the actual symphonies on that CD? Curious!

22 -  9:22
23 - 13:44
24 - 16:29

English Suite #1 (6 movements) - 25:51


Sarge

[J.Z. Herrenberg]

Hi, Sarge! What do you think of the new CD?

[Sergeant Rock]

Hi, Sarge! What do you think of the new CD?

It's a noisy SOB, isn't it? 


Sarge

[J.Z. Herrenberg]

That's one, very valid, way of looking at it! 

[Karl Henning]

22 -  9:22
23 - 13:44
24 - 16:19

English Suite #1 (6 movements) - 25:51

Thanks, Sarge.

Indeed, the English Suite proves to be longer than the 22^nd & 23^rd symphonies together . . . .

[Sergeant Rock]

That's one, very valid, way of looking at it! 

Seriously, I found the recording a bit harsh when I listened to 22. I moved on to the English Suite which was far easier on my ears. A truly lovely work, and a great performance. I wasn't feeling well, though, when I tried to listen to the symphonies; sinus and ear infection. So I'm sure (I'm hoping anyway) it was my condition and not the sonics fault.

Sarge

[J.Z. Herrenberg]

I hope you'll be better soon, Sarge. I do think, though, that the harshness is there in the work. No. 23 is even more uncompromising, as the middle, 'battle' part of the trilogy...

[Karl Henning]

Sinus and ear infection is certainly not one's ideal listening conditions! : )

[J.Z. Herrenberg]

It simply shows to what lengths the true Brianite will go... 

[Brian]

It's a noisy SOB, isn't it? 
Sarge

Perfect! I have a coworker who doesn't know when to shut up and I'm always looking for loud music to play over my headphones so I don't have to hear him. 

[J.Z. Herrenberg]

You could always play the final minutes of the 'Judex' on a loop.

[cilgwyn]

Perfect! I have a coworker who doesn't know when to shut up and I'm always looking for loud music to play over my headphones so I don't have to hear him. 

Das Siegeslied!

[Sergeant Rock]

Das Siegeslied!

That would certainly do the trick...but would cause permanent ear damage too 

Sarge

[Karl Henning]

That would certainly do the trick...but would cause permanent ear damage too 

Sarge

With friends like that . . . .

; )