A significant historical recording has been brought back into the spotlight to mark a major musical anniversary. The Heritage label has reissued a 1980 BBC live broadcast of Havergal Brian's monumental Gothic Symphony, performed at the Royal Albert Hall under the baton of the esteemed Danish conductor and composer Ole Schmidt.
A Colossal Work Receives Renewed Attention
This release commemorates the 150th anniversary of Havergal Brian's birth, offering listeners a chance to revisit a work that has often been regarded with a mixture of awe and scepticism. Brian's Gothic Symphony, completed in 1927 after eight years of composition, stands as a vast and eccentric landmark in 20th-century British music. Inspired by the grandeur and peculiarities of the gothic age, the piece presents a unique artistic vision, weaving together simple, guileless melodies with intensely complex polyphonic structures.
Schmidt's Commanding Interpretation
The recording captures Ole Schmidt's authoritative leadership of the London Symphony Orchestra and a massive chorus of 560 voices, supported by a quartet of soloists featuring the late, renowned soprano Jane Manning. Schmidt approaches the score not merely as a logistical challenge to be controlled, but as a profound musical statement to be shaped and expressed. His interpretation balances architectural clarity with the work's inherent gothic extravagance, drawing favourable comparison to conductors like Martyn Brabbins, who is also celebrated for his command of this repertoire.
The symphony itself is divided into two substantial parts. The initial 35-minute section functions as a compelling, self-contained three-movement symphony. However, the true epicentre of the work is the subsequent, hour-long setting of the Te Deum, which demands and rewards the listener's deepest concentration. The musical influences are broad, echoing the monumental sounds of Bruckner, the dramatic flair of Berlioz, and the atmospheric textures of Sibelius.
A Valuable Addition to the Catalogue
This 1980 performance represents the fourth complete recording of Brian's Gothic Symphony to enter the commercial catalogue. While the sonic quality of the live broadcast occasionally shows its age with moments of congestion, the vitality and stimulating musical choices made by Schmidt ensure this recording remains a compelling listen. It stands as a fine alternative to other notable interpretations, such as Ondrej Lenárd's Slovak recording. The reissue is further enriched by illuminating sleeve notes from the composer and writer John Pickard, providing valuable context for both new listeners and seasoned admirers of Brian's unique musical world.
