This is the first in a two-disc series, exploring the songs of Havergal Brian. This composer is best known for his huge symphonies such as the Gothic, performed at the 2012 Proms by 1.000 musicians. The songs explore the more intimate facets of his character and this collection also includes piano pieces and his Legend for violin and piano.
“Brian fanatics, while no doubt queueing up for more, will savour the consistently strong performances by these three fine musicians” BBC Music Magazine, August 2012 ***
“Mark Stone and Sholto Kynoch prove strong interpreters of the songs, some of the most individual in the British repertoire...Strongly recommended.” Gramophone Magazine, November 2012
“This recital by Mark Stone and pianist Sholto Kynoch makes a good case for this body of work to be taken seriously. They make a most effective team, enjoying the melancholy moments as much as those clearly predicated on a fully orchestral view of the keyboard writing.” MusicWeb International, November 2012
“Mark Stone’s baleful baritone does the songs justice, but not much more. Jonathan Stone and Sholto Kynoch have a more rewarding task reviving some of Brian’s piano and violin pieces.” The Times, 19th May 2012
