Havergal Brian: Symphonic Dances from The Tigers

These extracts from Brian's comic-satirical opera offer subtle invention besides his compulsive prolixity, and appeal much more strongly than Foulds's fluent but characterless Pasquinade. Clear,... — BBC Music Magazine, Christmas 2014, 4 out of 5 stars More…

Release Date: 27th May 2014
Catalogue No: HTGCD270
Label: Heritage

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Brian: Symphonic Dances from The Tigers

Luxembourg Radio Symphony Orchestra
Leopold Hager

Foulds: Pasquiande Symphonique No. 1

Luxembourg Radio Symphony Orchestra
Leopold Hager

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Havergal Brian’s first opera, The Tigers, was begun in the middle of World War I – he called it ‘a distraction from war horrors’ – and is essentially a satire on the shambolic unpreparedness of the British army in training on the home front. This CD features the only complete recording of the Symphonic Dances which Brian adapted from the operatic score and the only available recording of Fould’s Pasquinade Symphonique No. 1.

Reviews

Christmas 2014

These extracts from Brian's comic-satirical opera offer subtle invention besides his compulsive prolixity, and appeal much more strongly than Foulds's fluent but characterless Pasquinade. Clear, classy performances.

Awards Issue 2014

Brian's scintillating orchestral textures still show up brightly in these sympathetic and virtuoso accounts. The sound is a touch studio-bhound but still crystal clear, comparing favourably with previous incarnations.

November 2014

Hagler proves as adept in uncovering the recondite humour as the elusive profundities of these extracts from an opera that marked Brian’s emergence as a composer of stature…the Luxembourg forces render this music with real expressive acuity and Hager directs with unassuming authority…the very real qualities of these readings should ensure they retain their place on the shelves of Brian and Foulds advocates.

13th June 2014

The Brian is good but the Foulds is magnificent. This is a fine disc with clean, immediate sound. It is a little studio bound but there is excellent clarity. The choice of orchestra and conductor may appear to be unusual for the repertoire but they do a fine job.

Havergal Brian: Symphonic Dances from The Tigers

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