Performances ordered by composition

Shortcuts: • Symphonies • Other Orchestral Music • Concertos • Choir • Unaccompanied partsongs • Accompanied partsongs • Chorus and orchestra • Soloists and orchestra • Soloists, chorus and orchestra • Chamber music • Piano music • Solo songs • Operas • Transcriptions by Brian • Arrangements by others

Icons: Currently available recordings   Deleted recordings   Unauthorised recordings

Symphonies

Work Date Notes Performance
Symphony 1 »The Gothic« (?1919-27†) 24 June 1961 first performance Central Hall, Westminster, London

Noelle Barker (sop), Jean Evans (alto), Kenneth Bowen (ten), John Shirley-Quirk (bar), London Philharmonic Choir, Kingsway Choral Society, London Orpheus Choir, Hendon Grammar School Choir, Royal Military School of Music and Polyphonia Symphony Orchestra, conductor Bryan Fairfax

30 October 1966 first professional performance

live broadcast BBC, repeated 26 November 1967 1966 – Aries 1966 – Symphony No. 1 _The Gothic_ – Testament
Royal Albert Hall, London

Honor Sheppard, soprano; Shirley Minty, contralto; Ronald Dowd, tenor; Roger Stalman, bass; BBC Chorus; BBC Choral Society; City of London Choir; Hampstead Choral Society; Emanuel School Choir; Orpington Junior Singers; BBC Symphony Orchestra, conductor Sir Adrian Boult

10 October 1976 Part 1 only

live broadcast BBC Radio 3
invitation concert at Royal Albert Hall, London

New Philharmonia Orchestra, conductor Sir Charles Groves

21 May 1978 Victoria Hall, Hanley, Staffs, UK

Margaret Tapley (sop), Jean Reavley (alto), Eric Baskeyfield (ten), Philip Ravenscroft (bass); Keele Chamber Choir (chorus master John Sloboda), Leicester Philharmonic Society (Keith Smith), the Margaret Wharam Choir, Solihull (Margaret Wharam), Nantwich and District Choral Society (Eddie Hewsion), Oriana Choir, Macclesfield (Keith Yearsley), Potteries Choral Society (Michael Lambert), Stone Choral Society (Arlene Lees); Ashborne Parish Church boys’ choir (Christopher Atkinson), Goudhurst Girls School Choir (Mary Halstead), Nantwich Parish Church boys’ choir (Michael Bax), Parish Church of St Peter, Prestbury boys’ choir (Michael Cheetham) and girls’ choir (Andrew Burr); ad hoc The Stoke Gothic Symphony Orchestra, leader Raymond Baddeley; assistant conductor Peter Young, conductor Trevor Stokes

Produced by Paul Shaw

[The total forces were over 700, the audience being confined to the gallery (586 seats) and the balcony (211 seats), leaving the arena floor to be occupied by the orchestra, which fully met Brian’s specification. Behind the orchestra, the children’s chorus was placed on the platform, two of the adult choruses behind them in the choir seats banked up on each side of the organ and the two remaining adult choruses seated in the long, narrow side balconies flanking the hall. The four brass bands were located with the four choruses, with the result that the spatial disposition of the total forces were rather more marked than was the case at the Royal Albert Hall, London in 1966.]



Symphony 1 »The Gothic« – David J Brown
25 May 1980 live broadcast BBC Radio 3, repeated 14 May 1995 Royal Albert Hall, London

Jane Manning (sop), Shirley Minty (alto), John Mitchinson (ten), David Thomas (bass), London Symphony Chorus, London Philharmonic Choir, BBC Singers, BBC Club Choir, Hampstead Choral Society, Bach Choir, English Chamber Choir; members of: BBC Symphony Chorus, Royal Choral Society, Goldsmith’s Choral Union, Highgate Choral Society; Orpheus Girls’ Choir, Colfe’s School Choir, London Symphony Orchestra (leader Irvine Arditti), conductor Ole Schmidt



Mounting the Gothic: The Schmidt performance, 1980 – David J Brown
Brev fra London / Letter from London: the Schmidt performance, 1980 – Peter Wivel
Skøn kæmpe-musik uden flip / Lofty musical colossus no freak: the Schmidt performance, 1980 – Jørgen Falck
Choirworks and Musical encounters – David J Brown
15 September 1984 Part 1 only St Olave’s School, Orpington, Kent, UK

rehearsal and runthrough by ’Planets for pleasure’ ad hoc orchestra, conductor Mark Fitz-Gerald



The ‘Planets for pleasure’ orchestra performance – Ted Heaton
29–31 March 1989 recording 1989 – The Best of Marco Polo – Marco Polo 1989 – ‘Gothic’ Symphony – Naxos Concert Hall of Slovak Radio (Bratislava)

Eva Jenisová, soprano; Dagmar Pecková, alto; Vladimír Doležal, tenor; Peter Mikuláš, bass; Slovak Opera Chorus; Slovak Folk Ensemble Chorus; Lúčnica Chorus; Bratislava City Choir; Bratislava Children’s Choir; Youth ‘Echo’ Choir; Pavol Procházka, chorus master; Slovak radio Symphony Orchestra; Slovak Philharmonic Orchestra and Choir; Ondrej Lenárd, conductor



A German view
Recording »The Gothic« in Bratislava – David J Brown
The Marco Polo cycle – David J Brown
22 December 2010 recorded by 4MBS Classic FM, Brisbane, for local (4MBS) and international radio broadcast Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Brisbane, Australia

Melissa Gill (sop), Kathleen Lamont (alto), Luke Venables (ten), Dimitri Kopanakis (bass), The Gothic Symphony Chorus, The Gothic Symphony Children’s Chorus, The Gothic Symphony Orchestra, conductor John Curro

[The total forces numbered more than 600.]



Recording The Gothic in Brisbane – Mike Le Voi, 4MBS Concert Recording Team member
17 July 2011 recorded

live broadcast BBC Radio 3 2011 Proms season, repeated 20 July 2011 2011 – _The Gothic_ Symphony – Hyperion
Royal Albert Hall, London

Susan Gritton (sop), Christine Rice (m-sop), Peter Auty (ten), Alastair Miles (bass), David Goode (organ), Eltham College Boys’ Choir, CBSO Youth Chorus, Southend Boys’ and Girls’ Choirs, Brighton Festival Chorus, Huddersfield Choral Society, London Symphony Chorus, BBC National Chorus of Wales, Bach Choir, Cor Caerdydd, BBC National Orchestra of Wales & BBC Concert Orchestra, conductor Martyn Brabbins

[The total forces numbered more than 930]

Symphony 2 (1930-31†) 19 May 1973 first performance The Dome, Brighton, UK

Kensington Symphony Orchestra, conductor Leslie Head

21 May 1973 live broadcast BBC Radio Stoke Victoria Hall, Hanley, UK

Kensington Symphony Orchestra, conductor Leslie Head



Reviews of the 1973 Kensington SO/Leslie Head performances – John Falding, Max Loppert
24 May 1973 broadcast 27 September 1973 BBC Radio London St John’s Smith Square, London

Kensington Symphony Orchestra, conductor Leslie Head



Reviews of the 1973 Kensington SO/Leslie Head performances – John Falding, Max Loppert
9 March 1979 recording

first professional performance

broadcast 31 March 1979 BBC Radio 3 1979 – Aries
BBC Maida Vale Studios, London

BBC Symphony Orchestra, conductor Sir Charles Mackerras

May 1996 recording 1996 – Symphony No. 2, Festival Fanfare – Naxos Mosfilm Studio, Moscow

Moscow Symphony Orchestra, conductor Anthony Rowe



The Marco Polo cycle – David J Brown
6 September 1998 workshop Reading

The Purely for Pleasure Orchestra, conductor Mark Fitz-Gerald



Symphony 2 – David Hackbridge Johnson
Symphony 2 – Roger Moseley
5–6 September 2015 2015 – Symphonies Nos. 2 & 14 – Dutton Vocalion Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

Lynda Cochrane & Judith Keaney, pianos; Mark Hindley, organ; Royal Scottish National Orchestra, conductor Martyn Brabbins

Symphony 3 (1931-32†) 12 January 1974 recording

first performance

broadcast 18 October 1974 BBC Radio 3 1974 – Aries
BBC Maida Vale Studio no. 1, London

Ronald Stevenson, David Wilde (pianos), New Philharmonia Orchestra*, conductor Stanley Pope

17 May 1987 first public performance Town Hall, Birmingham, UK

Composers’ Platform West Midlands Symphony Orchetra, conductor Paul Venn



Review of Composers’ Platform WM SO/Venn performance – David J Brown
26 October 1988 recording

broadcast 1989 ? BBC Radio 3
Invitation concert, BBC Maida Vale Studio no. 1, London

Andrew Ball, Julian Jacobson (pianos), BBC Symphony Orchestra led by Bela Dekany, conductor Lionel Friend

27–28 October 1988 recording 1988 – Symphony No. 3 – Hyperion BBC Maida Vale Studio no. 1, London

Andrew Ball, Julian Jacobson (pianos), BBC Symphony Orchestra, conductor Lionel Friend

Symphony 4 »Das Siegeslied« (1932-33†) Psalm 68 'Let God arise' 3 July 1967 first performance

broadcast BBC

Honor Sheppard (sop), Halifax Choral Society, Leeds Philharmonic Choir, BBC Northern Symphony Orchestra, conductor Maurice Handford

13 October 1974 first public performance

broadcast 25 June 1975 BBC Radio 3 1974 – Aries
Alexandra Palace, London

Felicity Palmer (sop), BBC Singers, BBC Choral Society, Goldsmith’s Choral Union, London Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor John Poole

3–8 February 1992 recording 1992 – Symphonies Nos. 4 and 12 – Naxos Concert Hall of Slovak Radio, Bratislava

Jana Valásková (sop); Slovak Philharmonic Choir, Slovak National Opera Chorus, Brno Philharmonic Choir, Youth ‘Echo’ Choir, Mixed ‘Cantus’ Choir; Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra (Bratislava) [augmented], conductor Adrian Leaper



Adrian Leaper’s Brian – Malcolm MacDonald
MarcoPolo CD of symphonies 4 & 12
Review of Marco Polo 8.223447 – Martin Anderson
The Marco Polo cycle – David J Brown
Symphony 5 »Wine Of Summer« Lord Douglas (1937†) 11 December 1969 first performance Kensington Town Hall, UK

Brian Rayner Cook (baritone), Kensington Symphony Orchestra, conductor Leslie Head



Havergal Brian and Leslie Head – Lewis Foreman
29 September 1976 live broadcast BBC Radio 3 1976 – Aries invitation concert at Alexandra Palace, London

Brian Rayner Cook (baritone), New Philharmonia Orchestra, conductor Stanley Pope

1993 recording recorded by Marco Polo but never issued

Brian Rayner Cook (baritone), National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, conductor Adrian Leaper

1 April 2001 recording

broadcast 7 June 2001 BBC Radio 3, repeated 5 March 2008 BBC’s ‘British Symphony’ series
Before an invited audience, Broadcasting House, Glasgow, UK

Donald Maxwell (baritone), BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, conductor Nicholas Kok

July 25 & 28 2014 2014 – Symphonies 5 _Wine of Summer_, 19 & 27 – Dutton Vocalion RSNO Centre, Henry Wood Hall, Glasgow

Royal Scottish National Orchestra, conductor Martyn Brabbins

Symphony 6 »Sinfonia Tragica« [from Dierdre of the Sorrows Prelude] (1948†) 16 January 1966 first performance

broadcast 21 September 1966 Third Programme [BBC Radio 3], repeated 26 February 1967 1966 – A Tribute to Robert Simpson – Classical Recordings Quarterly Editions
BBC Maida Vale Studios, London

Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, conductor Douglas Robinson

1 April 1973 recording

broadcast 18 June 1975 BBC Radio 3
studio recording

London Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Myer Fredman

10 April 1973 recording 1973 – Havergal Brian and Arnold Cooke Symphonies – Lyrita Wandsworth Town Hall

London Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Myer Fredman

6 February 1976 broadcast Brisbane and Sydney area
30 January 1977 broadcast Brisbane and Sydney area
26 August 1977 broadcast Brisbane and Sydney area
3 October 1989 first public performance; first professional orchestral performance of any Brian work in North America Great Hall, Hamilton Place, Hamilton, Ontario

Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Boris Brott



The Sinfonia tragica in Hamilton – Paul Rapoport
4 October 1989 Great Hall, Hamilton Place, Hamilton, Ontario

Hamilton Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Boris Brott

8 March 1997 St John’s Smith Square, London

Royal Holloway Orchestra, conductor Matthew Taylor



Review of Royal Holloway/Matthew Taylor 1997 performance – Lewis Foreman
20 May 2014 2014 – Symphonies 6, 28, 29, 31 – Naxos Studio 5, Russian State TV & Radio Company KULTURA, Moscow

New Russia State Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Walker

11 October 2016 broadcast 21 November 2016 BBC Radio 3 BBC Maida Vale Studios, London

Before an invited audience, BBC Symphony Orchestra, conductor Martyn Brabbins

Symphony 7 (1948†) 16 June 1966 recording

first performance

broadcast 13 March 1968 BBC Radio 3

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Harry Newstone



Newstone and Mackerras interpretations compared – David Jenkins
29 April 1987 first public performance Liverpool

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Sir Charles Mackerras



Review of RLPO/Mackerras premiere – John Pickard
Review of RLPO/Mackerras premiere – Richard Whitehouse
Review of RLPO/Mackerras premiere and recording – David J Brown
Play it backwards – Larry Alexander
3–4 May 1987 recording 1987 – Havergal Brian: Symphonies Nos. 7–9 and 31 – EMI Classics Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Sir Charles Mackerras



Newstone and Mackerras interpretations compared – David Jenkins
Symphony 8 (1949†) 1 February 1954 first performance

live broadcast first broadcast by BBC of a Brian symphony
BBC Maida Vale Studios, London

London Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Sir Adrian Boult

2 February 1954 live broadcast BBC BBC Maida Vale Studios, London

London Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Sir Adrian Boult

20 December 1958 live broadcast Third Programme [BBC Radio 3] studio

BBC Symphony Orchestra, conductor Rudolf Schwarz

27 June 1971 broadcast BBC 1971 – Aries studio recording

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Myer Fredman

25–26 July 1977 recording 1977 – Havergal Brian: Symphonies Nos. 7–9 and 31 – EMI Classics Abbey Road, London

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Sir Charles Groves



Thoughts on ASD3486 – Ted Heaton
25 July 1977 World premiere recording 1977 – Sir Charles Groves - British Music – Warner Classics Abbey Road Studio 1, London

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Sir Charles Groves

8 September 2016 2016 – Symphonies 8, 21, 26 – Naxos Studio 5, Russian State TV & Radio Company KULTURA, Moscow

New Russia State Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Walker

Symphony 9 (1951†) 22 March 1958 first performance

live broadcast Third Programme [BBC Radio 3]
studio

London Symphony Orchestra, conductor Norman del Mar

5 February 1959 BBC recording; live audience?

live broadcast Third Programme [BBC Radio 3], repeated 1 June 1994 BBC Radio 3 1959 – Studio Broadcasts: symphonies 9 & 11, Doctor Merryheart – Dutton Vocalion
BBC Maida Vale Studio 1

London Symphony Orchestra leader Hugh Maguire, conductor Norman del Mar

28 March 1971 recording

broadcast 15 August 1971 BBC, repeated 16 December 1972 1971 – Aries
St John’s Smith Square

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Myer Fredman

20 January 1976 first public performance ? Liverpool

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Sir Charles Groves

1 July 1976 broadcast 30 March 1977 BBC Liverpool Philharmonic Hall

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Sir Charles Groves

2 July 1976 broadcast BBC

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Sir Charles Groves

27 July 1976 live broadcast BBC Royal Albert Hall (BBC Promenade Concert)

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Sir Charles Groves

25–26 July 1977 recording 1977 – Havergal Brian: Symphonies Nos. 7–9 and 31 – EMI Classics Abbey Road, London

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Sir Charles Groves



Thoughts on ASD3486 – Ted Heaton
25 July 1977 1977 – Sir Charles Groves - British Music – Warner Classics Abbey Road Studio 1, London

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Sir Charles Groves

Symphony 10 (1953-54†) 3 November 1958 first performance

live broadcast Third Programme [BBC Radio 3]
studio

Philharmonia Orchestra, conductor Stanley Pope

?31 March 1965 BBC Transcription Service recording

London Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Stanley Pope

12 July 1972 recording

broadcast 9 May 1973 BBC Radio 3

Leicestershire Schools Symphony Orchestra, conductor Eric Pinkett

18–19 July 1972 recording 1972 – Havergal Brian: The First Commercial Recordings – Heritage Records 1972 – Havergal Brian: Symphonies Nos. 10 and 21 – Klassic Haus Restorations De Montfort Hall, Leicester

Leicestershire Schools Symphony Orchestra, conductor James Loughran

17 April 1975 first public performance

live broadcast BBC Radio 3
Free Trade Hall, Manchester

Hallé Orchestra, conductor James Loughran

18 April 1975 Sheffield

Hallé Orchestra, conductor James Loughran

22 April 1975 Hanley, UK

Hallé Orchestra, conductor James Loughran

5 June 1976 broadcast Brisbane and Sydney area
October 1976 broadcast Brisbane and Sydney area
26 December 1976 broadcast Brisbane and Sydney area
February 1977 broadcast Brisbane and Sydney area
31 May 1998 Guthlaxton College, Wigston, Leicester

Leicestershire Schools Symphony Orchestra, conductor Mark Fitz-Gerald



Symphony 10 – Peter Coussee
15–16 September 2010 recording 2010 – Symphonies 10, 30, Concerto for Orchestra, English Suite 3 – Dutton Vocalion RSNO Centre, Henry Wood Hall, Glasgow

Royal Scottish National Orchestra, conductor Martyn Brabbins

Symphony 11 (1954†) 1956 private playthrough

unknown BBC orchestra

8 April 1959 BBC recording; live audience?

first performance

broadcast 5 November 1959 Third Programme [BBC Radio 3] 1959 – Studio Broadcasts: symphonies 9 & 11, Doctor Merryheart – Dutton Vocalion
Hammersmith Town Hall

London Symphony Orchestra, conductor Harry Newstone

6 September 1993 recording 1993 – Symphonies Nos. 11 and 15 – Naxos National Concert Hall, Dublin

RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, conductor Adrian Leaper



Introduction to the Marco Polo CD – Malcolm MacDonald
Brian and theurban pastorale – PJ Taylor
The Marco Polo cycle – David J Brown
Review – John Grimshaw
Symphony 12 (1957†) 8 April 1959 BBC recording; live audience?

first performance

broadcast 5 November 1959 Third Programme [BBC Radio 3]
Hammersmith Town Hall

London Symphony Orchestra, conductor Harry Newstone

4 August 1966 first public performance 1966 – Aries Royal Albert Hall, London (Prom)

BBC Symphony Orchestra, conductor Norman del Mar

10-11 February 1992 1992 – Symphonies Nos. 4 and 12 – Naxos Concert Hall of Slovak Radio, Bratislava

Slovak Radio Symphony Orchestra (Bratislava), conductor Adrian Leaper



Adrian Leaper’s Brian – Malcolm MacDonald
MarcoPolo CD of symphonies 4 & 12
Review of Marco Polo 8.223447 – Martin Anderson
The Marco Polo cycle – David J Brown
Symphony 13 (1959†) 23 June 1976 recording

first performance

broadcast 14 May 1978 BBC Radio 3 1976 – Aries

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Stanley Pope

31 May & 1 June 2012 recording

world premiere recording 2012 – Violin concerto, symphony 13 – Dutton Vocalion
RSNO Centre, Henry Wood Hall, Glasgow

Royal Scottish National Orchestra, conductor Martyn Brabbins

Symphony 14 (1959-60†) 14 January 1969 recording

first performance

broadcast 10 May 1970 BBC Radio 3 1969 – Aries
BBC Maida Vale Studio 1, London

London Symphony Orchestra, conductor Sir Edward Downes

5–6 September 2015 world premiere recording 2015 – Symphonies Nos. 2 & 14 – Dutton Vocalion Glasgow Royal Concert Hall

Mark Hindley, organ; Royal Scottish National Orchestra, conductor Martyn Brabbins

Symphony 15 (1960†) 23 June 1976 recording

first performance

broadcast 14 May 1978 BBC Radio 3 1976 – Aries

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Stanley Pope

27 May 1997 recording 1997 – Symphonies Nos. 11 and 15 – Naxos National Concert Hall, Dublin

RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, conductor Tony Rowe



Introduction to the Marco Polo CD – Malcolm MacDonald
Brian and theurban pastorale – PJ Taylor
The Marco Polo cycle – David J Brown
Review – John Grimshaw
Symphony 16 (1960†) 1 April 1973 recording

first performance

broadcast 18 June 1975 BBC Radio 3

London Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Myer Fredman

10 April 1973 recording 1973 – Havergal Brian and Arnold Cooke Symphonies – Lyrita Wandsworth Town Hall

London Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Myer Fredman

26 April 1976 broadcast Brisbane and Sydney area
13 May 1977 broadcast Brisbane and Sydney area
5 August 1994 first public performance Duke’s Hall, Royal Academy of Music, London

London Orchestra of St Cecilia, conductor James Kelleher

Symphony 17 (1960-61†) 23 June 1976 recording

first performance

broadcast 14 May 1978 BBC Radio 3 1976 – Aries

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Stanley Pope

15–16 June 1992 recording 1992 – Symphonies Nos. 17 and 32 – Naxos National Concert Hall, Dublin

RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, conductor Adrian Leaper



Adrian Leaper’s Brian – Malcolm MacDonald
The Marco Polo cycle – David J Brown
Symphony 18 (1961†) 26 February 1962 first performance St Pancras Town Hall, London

Polyphonia Orchestra, conductor Bryan Fairfax

20 October 1974 recording

broadcast 11 June 1975 BBC Radio 3 1974 – Aries

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Bryan Fairfax

August 1988 Piggotts Music Camp

Music camp workshop, conductor John Pickard

27 November 1989

Staffordshire Symphony Orchestra, conductor Johnson

12–15 January 1993 recording 1993 – Violin Concerto, Symphony No. 18 – Naxos Studio 1, BBC Broadcasting House, Glasgow

BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, conductor Lionel Friend



The Marco Polo cycle – David J Brown
Symphony 19 (1961†) 18 June 1976 recording

first performance

broadcast 31 December 1976 BBC Radio 3 1976 – Aries

BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, conductor John Canarina

1 December 2012 first public performance University of Bristol Victoria Rooms, Queen’s Road, Bristol UK

Bristol University Symphony Orchestra, conductor John Pickard

July 25 & 28 2014 2014 – Symphonies 5 _Wine of Summer_, 19 & 27 – Dutton Vocalion RSNO Centre, Henry Wood Hall, Glasgow

Royal Scottish National Orchestra, conductor Martyn Brabbins

Symphony 20 (1962†) 5 October 1976 first performance

live broadcast BBC Radio 3 1976 – Aries
invitation concert at Alexandra Palace, London

New Philharmonia Orchestra, conductor Vernon Handley

28–30 October 1994 recording 1994 – Symphonies Nos. 20 and 25 – Naxos Concert Hall of Ukrainian Radio

Ukraine State Symphony Orchestra, conductor Andrew Penny



The Marco Polo cycle – David J Brown
First impressions – Larry Alexander
Symphony 21 (1963†) 14 January 1969 recording

first performance

broadcast 10 May 1970 BBC Radio 3
BBC Maida Vale Studio no. 1, London

London Symphony Orchestra, conductor Sir Edward Downes

18–19 July 1972 recording 1972 – Havergal Brian: The First Commercial Recordings – Heritage Records 1972 – Havergal Brian: Symphonies Nos. 10 and 21 – Klassic Haus Restorations De Montfort Hall, Leicester

Leicestershire Schools Symphony Orchestra, conductor Eric Pinkett

5 June 1976 broadcast Brisbane and Sydney area
6 September 1977 broadcast Brisbane and Sydney area
8 September 2016 Premiere professional recording 2016 – Symphonies 8, 21, 26 – Naxos Studio 5, Russian State TV & Radio Company KULTURA, Moscow

New Russia State Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Walker

Symphony 22 »Symphonia brevis« (1964-65†) 28 March 1971 recording

first performance

broadcast 15 August 1971 BBC Radio 3, repeated 16 December 1972 1971 – Aries
St John’s Smith Square

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Myer Fredman

10 April 1974 recording

broadcast 30 August 1974 BBC Radio 3 1974 – Havergal Brian: The First Commercial Recordings – Heritage Records 1974 – Havergal Brian: Symphony No. 22 and other works – Klassic Haus Restorations
Hove Town Hall

Leicestershire Schools Symphony Orchestra, conductor Laszlo Heltay

12 February 1977 broadcast Brisbane and Sydney area
26 October 1983 first public performance Royal Festival Hall

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Sir Charles Groves



Symphonia brevis at the Royal Festival Hall – Malcolm MacDonald
August 2012 2012 – Symphonies 22–24, English Suite 1 – Naxos

New Russia State Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Walker

Symphony 23 (1965†) 4 October 1973 first performance Galesburg, Illinois

University of Illinois Symphony Orchestra, conductor Bernard Goodman

5 or 6 October 1973 Quincy, Illinois

University of Illinois Symphony Orchestra, conductor Bernard Goodman

7 October 1973 broadcast 14 October 1973 WILL-AM, Illinois, USA, repeated 16 October 1973 BBC Radio 3 1973 – Aries Great Hall, Krannert Center, Urbana, Illinois

University of Illinois Symphony Orchestra, conductor Bernard Goodman

August 2012 world première recording 2012 – Symphonies 22–24, English Suite 1 – Naxos

New Russia State Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Walker

Symphony 24 (1965†) 1 April 1973 recording

first performance

broadcast 18 June 1975 BBC Radio 3 1973 – Aries

London Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Myer Fredman

August 2012 world première recording 2012 – Symphonies 22–24, English Suite 1 – Naxos

New Russia State Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Walker

Symphony 25 (1965-66†) 18 June 1976 recording

first performance

broadcast 31 December 1976 BBC Radio 3 1976 – Aries

BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, conductor John Canarina

28–30 October 1994 recording 1994 – Symphonies Nos. 20 and 25 – Naxos Concert Hall of Ukrainian Radio

Ukraine State Symphony Orchestra, conductor Andrew Penny



The Marco Polo cycle – David J Brown
First impressions – Larry Alexander
Symphony 26 (1966†) 13 May 1976 first performance

broadcast 5 September 1976 BBC Radio Stoke
St Mark’s Church, Shelton, Stoke-on-Trent, UK

North Staffordshire Symphony Orchestra, conductor Nicholas Smith

5 October 1976 first professional performance

live broadcast BBC Radio 3 1976 – Aries
invitation concert at Alexandra Palace, London

New Philharmonia Orchestra, conductor Vernon Handley

8 September 2016 World premiere recording 2016 – Symphonies 8, 21, 26 – Naxos Studio 5, Russian State TV & Radio Company KULTURA, Moscow

New Russia State Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Walker

Symphony 27 (1966†) 9 January 1979 recording

first performance

broadcast 18 March 1979 BBC
Henry Wood Hall

Philharmonia Orchestra, conductor Sir Charles Mackerras



Recording Brian with the Philharmonia – Rodney Stephen Newton
17 March 2012 first public performance Symphony Hall, Orange County High School for the Arts, Santa Ana, California

Orange County High School of the Arts Symphony Orchestra, conductor Christopher Russell

25 June 2012 first UK public performance Town Hall, Birmingham, UK

Orange County High School of the Arts Symphony Orchestra, conductor Christopher Russell

July 25 & 28 2014 2014 – Symphonies 5 _Wine of Summer_, 19 & 27 – Dutton Vocalion RSNO Centre, Henry Wood Hall, Glasgow

Royal Scottish National Orchestra, conductor Martyn Brabbins

Symphony 28 »Sinfonia in C minor« (1967†) 7 June 1973 recording

first performance

broadcast 5 October 1973 BBC Radio 3 1973 – Aries
BBC Maida Vale Studios, London

New Philharmonia Orchestra, conductor Leopold Stokowski



Review – Anthony Payne in the Daily Telegraph
20 May 2014 World premiere recording 2014 – Symphonies 6, 28, 29, 31 – Naxos Studio 5, Russian State TV & Radio Company KULTURA, Moscow

New Russia State Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Walker

Symphony 29 (1967†) January 1976 private playthrough, Edinburgh

Monday Night Orchestra, conductor Alasdair Mitchell

17 November 1976 BBC Radio Stoke recording

first public performance
Victoria Hall, Hanley, Stoke-on-Trent, UK

North Staffordshire Symphony Orchestra, conductor Nicholas Smith

22 December 1978 recording

first professional performance

broadcast 12 March 1979 BBC Radio 3
Maida Vale Studio 1, London

Philharmonia Orchestra, conductor Myer Fredman



Recording Brian with the Philharmonia – Rodney Stephen Newton
20 May 2014 World premiere recording 2014 – Symphonies 6, 28, 29, 31 – Naxos Studio 5, Russian State TV & Radio Company KULTURA, Moscow

New Russia State Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Walker

Symphony 30 (1967†) 24 September 1976 first performance

live broadcast BBC Radio 3
invitation concert at Alexandra Palace, London

New Philharmonia Orchestra, conductor Harry Newstone

March 1989 broadcast BBC Radio 3, 16 July 1991 Invitation concert, BBC Maida Vale Studio 1, London

BBC Symphony Orchestra led by Geoffrey Trabichoff, conductor Lionel Friend

4 March 2008 broadcast (Transmission date) BBC Radio 3 in the ‘British Symphony’ series

BBC National Orchestra of Wales, conductor Jason Lai

15–16 September 2010 recording

broadcast Studio recording for Dutton 2010 – Symphonies 10, 30, Concerto for Orchestra, English Suite 3 – Dutton Vocalion
RSNO Centre, Henry Wood Hall, Glasgow

Royal Scottish National Orchestra, conductor Martyn Brabbins

Symphony 31 (1968†) 9 January 1979 recording

first performance

broadcast 18 March 1979 BBC Radio 3
Henry Wood Hall

Philharmonia Orchestra, conductor Sir Charles Mackerras



Recording Brian with the Philharmonia – Rodney Stephen Newton
1 April 1979 first US performance

Orchestral Society of Philadelphia, conductor Robert Fitzpatrick

3–4 May 1987 recording 1987 – Havergal Brian: Symphonies Nos. 7–9 and 31 – EMI Classics Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Sir Charles Mackerras

20 May 2014 2014 – Symphonies 6, 28, 29, 31 – Naxos Studio 5, Russian State TV & Radio Company KULTURA, Moscow

New Russia State Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Walker

Symphony 32 (1968†) 28 January 1971 first performance; first public performance St John’s Smith Square, London

Kensington Symphony Orchestra, conductor Leslie Head

22 December 1978 recording

first professional performance

broadcast 12 March 1979 BBC Radio 3
Maida Vale Studios, London

Philharmonia Orchestra, conductor Myer Fredman



Recording Brian with the Philharmonia – Rodney Stephen Newton
15–16 June 1992 recording 1992 – Symphonies Nos. 17 and 32 – Naxos National Concert Hall, Dublin

RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, conductor Adrian Leaper



Adrian Leaper’s Brian – Malcolm MacDonald
The Marco Polo cycle – David J Brown
5 November 2005 first US public performance Symphony Hall, Orange County High School for the Arts, Santa Ana, California

OCHSA Symphony Orchestra, conductor Chris Russell

Other Orchestral Music

Work Date Notes Performance
Burlesque variations on an original theme (1903†) 13 March 1980 first performance City Hall, Hull, UK

City of Hull Youth Symphony Orchestra, conductor Geoffrey Heald-Smith

26–27 July 1980 recording 1980 – The Complete Early Orchestral Works – Cameo Classics City Hall, Hull, UK

City of Hull Youth Symphony Orchestra, conductor Geoffrey Heald-Smith



Review of City of Hull Youth SO CDs – David J Brown
Review of Hull Youth SO recording – Lewis Foreman
23/24 July 2009 recording 2009 – Havergal Brian: Orchestral Music, Volume One – Toccata Classics City Halls, Glasgow

BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, conductor Garry Walker

Concerto for orchestra (1964†) 12 April 1975 first performance Leeds Town Hall

City of Leeds College of Music Symphony Orchestra, conductor Joseph Stones



Review of premiere – Malcolm MacDonald
15–16 September 2010 recording 2010 – Symphonies 10, 30, Concerto for Orchestra, English Suite 3 – Dutton Vocalion RSNO Centre, Henry Wood Hall, Glasgow

Royal Scottish National Orchestra, conductor Martyn Brabbins

Doctor Merryheart [Comedy overture 1] (1911-12†) 3 January 1913 first performance Birmingham Town Hall (Music League/Incorporated Society of Musicians Festival)

a Festival Orchestra, conductor Julius Harrison

7 October 1913 Queen’s Hall, London (Prom)

Conductor Sir Henry Wood

December 1933 broadcast two broadcasts from Hamburg
17 January 1934 live broadcast Winter Gardens, Bournemouth

Bournemouth Municipal Orchestra, conductor Sir Dan Godfrey

16 October 1936 live broadcast 9:45pm BBC Midland Programme studio

BBC Midland Orchestra, conductor Clarence Raybould

8 May 1937 live broadcast studio

BBC Orchestra, conductor Clarence Raybould

27 March 1939 live broadcast BBC studio

BBC Orchestra, conductor Clarence Raybould

?1940 (probably Dr Merryheart)

CBS Symphony Orchestra, conductor Bernard Hermann

27 December 1956 live broadcast Home Service [BBC Radio 4] studio

BBC Northern Orchestra, conductor John Hopkins

8 April 1959 BBC recording; live audience?

broadcast 5 November 1959 Third Programme [BBC Radio 3] 1959 – Studio Broadcasts: symphonies 9 & 11, Doctor Merryheart – Dutton Vocalion
Hammersmith Town Hall

London Symphony Orchestra, conductor Harry Newstone

18 November 1978 St John’s Smith Square, London

Young Musicians’ Symphony Orchestra, conductor James Blair

14–15 July 1979 recording 1979 – The Complete Early Orchestral Works – Cameo Classics City Hall, Hull, UK

City of Hull Youth Symphony Orchestra, conductor Geoffrey Heald-Smith



Review of City of Hull Youth SO CDs – David J Brown
Review of Hull Youth SO recording – Lewis Foreman
6 September 1993 recording 1993 – Symphonies Nos. 11 and 15 – Naxos National Concert Hall, Dublin

RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, conductor Adrian Leaper



Introduction to the Marco Polo CD – Malcolm MacDonald
The Marco Polo cycle – David J Brown
Review – John Grimshaw
Elegy (1954†) 17 February 1977 first performance

Guildhall School of Music and Drama Symphony Orchestra, conductor Brian Wright

19 December 1978 broadcast 24 May 1979 BBC Radio 3

BBC Northern Symphony Orchestra, conductor Brian Wright

23/24 July 2009 recording 2009 – Havergal Brian: Orchestral Music, Volume One – Toccata Classics City Halls, Glasgow

BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, conductor Garry Walker

English suite 1 [from Pantalon and Columbine (II and III only)] (?1902-04†) 12 January 1907 first performance Leeds Town Hall

Leeds Municipal Orchestra, conductor Havergal Brian

7 March 1907 I, V, VI only Victoria Hall, Hanley, UK

Staffordshire Orchestral Society, conductor John Cope

12 September 1907 Queen’s Hall, London (Proms)

conductor Sir Henry Wood

18 January 1908 Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool

Liverpool Orchestral Society, conductor Sir Granville Bantock

27 February 1909 Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool

Liverpool Orchestral Society, conductor Sir Granville Bantock

26 November 1914 Winter Gardens, Bournemouth

Bournemouth Municipal Orchestra, conductor Havergal Brian

18 July 1942 I and II only Harrow School

Harrow Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Henry Havergal



The case of the two Havergals – Lewis Foreman
14–15 July 1979 recording 1979 – The Complete Early Orchestral Works – Cameo Classics City Hall, Hull, UK

City of Hull Youth Symphony Orchestra, conductor Geoffrey Heald-Smith



Review of City of Hull Youth SO CDs – David J Brown
Review of Hull Youth SO recording – Lewis Foreman
July 1981 I only Italian tour: Muggia, Venice, Florence, Lido di Jesolo, Venice

George Heriot’s School First Orchestra, conductor Martin Rutherford

7 July 1981 I only Reid Concert Hall, Edinburgh

George Heriot’s School First Orchestra, conductor Martin Rutherford

10 December 1985

North Staffordshire Symphony orchestra, conductor Michael Trowski

15 May 1988 Assembly Hall, Worthing, Sussex

Worthing Symphony Orchestra, conductor Jan Cervenka

5 April 1995 First movement - March

recorded
Melbourne Grammar School

Melbourne Grammar School Symphony Orchestra - Martin Rutherford

December 2004 Characteristic march Edinburgh & London

Melbourne Grammar School Symphony Orchestra, conductor Martin Rutherford

August 2012 2012 – Symphonies 22–24, English Suite 1 – Naxos

New Russia State Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Walker

English suite 3 (1919-21†) also arr piano - lost 16 March 1922 first performance Winter Gardens, Bournemouth

Bournemouth Municipal Orchestra, conductor Sir Dan Godfrey

31 August 1937 live broadcast BBC studio

BBC Orchestra, conductor Clarence Raybould

28 January 1971 St John’s, Smith Square, London

Kensington Symphony Orchestra, conductor Leslie Head

23 February 1980

Maidstone Symphony Orchestra, conductor de Csillery

15–16 September 2010 recording 2010 – Symphonies 10, 30, Concerto for Orchestra, English Suite 3 – Dutton Vocalion RSNO Centre, Henry Wood Hall, Glasgow

David Bednall (organ), Royal Scottish National Orchestra, conductor Martyn Brabbins

22 May 2015 English Music Festival, Dorchester, Oxon

BBC Concert Orchestra, conductor Martin Yates

English suite 4 »Kindergarten« (?1924†) 5 July 1977 first performance 1977 – George Heriot’s First School Orchestra – privately issued George Heriot’s School, Edinburgh

George Heriot’s School First Orchestra, conductor Martin Rutherford

17-24 July 1977 A shanti battle song only Spanish tour: Lloret de Mar, Montserrat, Barcelona, Girona and Sitges

George Heriot’s School First Orchestra, conductor Martin Rutherford

27 March 2001 Melbourne Grammar School, Melbourne, Australia

Melbourne Grammar School SO, conductor Martin Rutherford

December 2004 Ashanti battle song Edinburgh & London

Melbourne Grammar School Symphony Orchestra, conductor Martin Rutherford

23 July 2011 Ashanti battle song

First Brian performance in Malaysia
Penang State Hall, Malaysia

Penang Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Martin Rutherford

31 May & 1 June 2012 recording

first digital recording 2012 – Violin concerto, symphony 13 – Dutton Vocalion
RSNO Centre, Henry Wood Hall, Glasgow

Royal Scottish National Orchestra, conductor Martyn Brabbins

English suite 5 »Rustic scenes« (1953†) April 1974 recording 1974 – Havergal Brian: The First Commercial Recordings – Heritage Records 1974 – Havergal Brian: Symphony No. 22 and other works – Klassic Haus Restorations De Montfort Hall, Leicester

Leicestershire Schools Symphony Orchestra, conductor Eric Pinkett

5 October 1975 Reverie only

broadcast Brisbane and Sydney area
18 December 1976 Reverie only

broadcast Brisbane and Sydney area
31 August 1977 Reverie only

broadcast Brisbane and Sydney area
11 September 1977 Reverie only

broadcast Brisbane and Sydney area
18 October 1991 Reverie only

Thames Sinfonia, conductor Page

31 January 2009 Reverie only Faversham, Kent

Oare String Orchestra, conductor Peter Aviss

23 May 2009 Reverie only Dorchester Abbey, Oxon

BBC Concert Orchestra, conductor David Lloyd-Jones

23/24 July 2009 recording 2009 – Havergal Brian: Orchestral Music, Volume One – Toccata Classics City Halls, Glasgow

BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, conductor Garry Walker

Fantastic variations on an old rhyme [from A Fantastic Symphony mvt I] (1907†) 28 April 1921 ‘condensed’ version

first performance and encore
West Pier, Brighton, UK

Brighton Municipal Orchestra, conductor Henry Lyell-Tayler

29 April 1921 ‘condensed’ version West Pier, Brighton, UK

Brighton Municipal Orchestra, conductor Havergal Brian

30 April 1921 ‘condensed’ version West Pier, Brighton, UK

Brighton Municipal Orchestra, conductor Havergal Brian

1 May 1921 ‘condensed’ version West Pier, Brighton, UK

Brighton Municipal Orchestra, conductor Havergal Brian

2 May 1921 ‘condensed’ version West Pier, Brighton, UK

Brighton Municipal Orchestra, conductor Havergal Brian

25 January 1923 first performance of complete score Winter Gardens, Bournemouth

Bournemouth Municipal Orchestra, conductor Sir Dan Godfrey

2 April 1923 Winter Gardens, Bournemouth (Bournemouth Music Festival)

Bournemouth Municipal Orchestra, conductor Sir Dan Godfrey

15 March 1934 Usher Hall, Edinburgh

Mary Grierson (pno), Reid Orchestra, conductor Sir Donald Tovey

14–15 July 1979 recording 1979 – The Complete Early Orchestral Works – Cameo Classics City Hall, Hull, UK

Alan Smith (organ),
City of Hull Youth Symphony Orchestra, conductor Geoffrey Heald-Smith



Review of City of Hull Youth SO CDs – David J Brown
Review of Hull Youth SO recording – Lewis Foreman
28–30 October 1994 recording 1994 – Symphonies Nos. 20 and 25 – Naxos Concert Hall of Ukrainian Radio

Ukraine State Symphony Orchestra, conductor Andrew Penny



The Marco Polo cycle – David J Brown
First impressions – Larry Alexander
7 July 2017 recording 2017 – The Vision of Cleopatra – Dutton Vocalion St Jude-on-the-Hill, Hamsptead, London

English National Opera Orchestra, conductor Martyn Brabbins

Nicholas Ansdell-Evans, organ

Festal dance [from A Fantastic Symphony mvt IV] (1908†) December 1914 first performance Birmingham

Conductor Granville Bantock

June 1915 Royal Albert Hall, London (Beecham-Ronald Prom Concerts)

Conductor Sir Thomas Beecham

4 June 1919 Birmingham Institute School of Music

School of Music Orchestra, conductor Sir Granville Bantock

6 June 1934 Birmingham Town Hall

School of Music Orchestra, conductor Sir Granville Bantock

17 October 1934 Birmingham Town Hall

School of Music Orchestra, conductor Sir Granville Bantock

13 April 1935 Queen’s Hall, London

British Women’s Symphony Orchestra, conductor Grace Burrows



Contemporary thirties criticism of Brian performances – Norman V Dagg
30 September 1935 Queen’s Hall, London (Prom)

Queen’s Hall Orchestra, conductor Sir Henry Wood

18 May 1960 Victoria Hall, Hanley, Staffs, UK

Hallé Orchestra, conductor George Weldon

14–15 July 1979 recording 1979 – The Complete Early Orchestral Works – Cameo Classics City Hall, Hull, UK

David Martin (piano),
City of Hull Youth Symphony Orchestra, conductor Geoffrey Heald-Smith



Review of City of Hull Youth SO CDs – David J Brown
Review of Hull Youth SO recording – Lewis Foreman
early 1990s first Brian performance in Asia Thailand

National Symphony Orchestra of Thailand, conductor Michael Marsh-Edwards

15–16 June 1992 recording 1992 – Symphonies Nos. 17 and 32 – Naxos National Concert Hall, Dublin

RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, conductor Adrian Leaper



Adrian Leaper’s Brian – Malcolm MacDonald
The Marco Polo cycle – David J Brown
July 25 & 28 2014 2014 – Symphonies 5 _Wine of Summer_, 19 & 27 – Dutton Vocalion RSNO Centre, Henry Wood Hall, Glasgow

Roderick Williams, baritone; Royal Scottish National Orchestra, conductor Martyn Brabbins

Festival fanfare (1967†) orig Fanfare for the orchestral brass 7 May 1972 first performance Urbana, Illinois (performance repeated)

University of Illinois Wind Ensemble, conductor Robert Gray

6 June 1973 first UK performance

live broadcast BBC
York Minster, UK

members of Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Sir Charles Groves

18 September 1973 live broadcast BBC Liverpool, UK

members of Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Sir Charles Groves

14 September 1974 live broadcast BBC Royal Albert Hall, London, UK / Last Night of the Proms

members of BBC Symphony Orchestra, conductor Sir Charles Groves

5 October 1976 University of Alberta, Edmonton
20 or 21 February 1977 recording 1977 – Fanfare: British Music for Symphonic Brass Ensemble – Chandos St Peter’s Church, Morden

Locke Brass Consort, conductor James Stobart

14 April 1983

MSU Brass Choir, MSU Tuba-Euphonium Ensemble, conductor Schulz

11 March 1984 Studio 7, New Broadcasting House, Manchester (recording for later transmission)

BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Nicholas Braithwaite

12 March 1984 Hanley (part of the 1984 York Festival)

BBC Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Nicholas Braithwaite

May 1996 recording 1996 – Symphony No. 2, Festival Fanfare – Naxos Mosfilm Studio, Moscow

Moscow Symphony Orchestra, conductor Anthony Rowe



The Marco Polo cycle – David J Brown
For valour (1904†) rev 1906 8 October 1907 first performance Queen’s Hall, London (Proms)

Queen’s Hall Orchestra, conductor Sir Henry Wood

27 June 1911 Crystal Palace, London (Festival of Empire)

Conductor Samuel Coleridge-Taylor

14 February 1912 Birmingham

Birmingham Philharmonic Society, conductor Sir Thomas Beecham

April 1912 ?North Staffordshire
15 September 1979 recording 1979 – The Complete Early Orchestral Works – Cameo Classics City Hall, Hull, UK

Alan Smith (organ),
City of Hull Youth Symphony Orchestra, conductor Geoffrey Heald-Smith



Review of City of Hull Youth SO CDs – David J Brown
Review of Hull Youth SO recording – Lewis Foreman
27 May 1997 recording 1997 – Symphonies Nos. 11 and 15 – Naxos National Concert Hall, Dublin

RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, conductor Tony Rowe



Introduction to the Marco Polo CD – Malcolm MacDonald
The Marco Polo cycle – David J Brown
Review – John Grimshaw
7 July 2017 recording 2017 – The Vision of Cleopatra – Dutton Vocalion St Jude-on-the-Hill, Hamsptead, London

English National Opera Orchestra, conductor Martyn Brabbins

Nicholas Ansdell-Evans, organ

Gargoyles [from The Tigers Act III, ballet 1] (1921-22†) 2 December 1927 BBC New Music Rehearsal

Conductor John Ansell

1 March 1934 first performance

broadcast BBC
BBC Thames Wharf Studio

BBC Orchestra, conductor Granville Bantock

13 February 1944 live BBC broadcast (BBC wartime studio, Bedford)

BBC Symphony Orchestra, conductor Sir Adrian Boult

30 November 1977 arr piano Aberdeen
July, September 1981 recording 1981 – Symphonic Movements from The Tigers – Heritage Records 1981 – Masters of the English musical renaissance – Forlane Concert Hall, Villa Louvigny, Luxembourg

Luxembourg Radio Symphony Orchestra, conductor Leopold Hager

Green pastures [from The Tigers Act II, Scene 4] (1921-22†) 1981 first performance Concert Hall, Villa Louvigny, Luxembourg

Luxembourg Radio Symphony Orchestra, conductor Leopold Hager

July, September 1981 recording 1981 – Symphonic Movements from The Tigers – Heritage Records 1981 – Masters of the English musical renaissance – Forlane Concert Hall, Villa Louvigny, Luxembourg

Luxembourg Radio Symphony Orchestra, conductor Leopold Hager

Hero and Leander (1904-06†) — LOST 3 December 1908 first and only performance Hanley

Conductor Sir Thomas Beecham

In memoriam (1910†) 26 December 1921 first performance Usher Hall, Edinburgh

Scottish Orchestra, conductor Sir Landon Ronald

27 December 1921 St Andrew’s Hall, Glasgow

Scottish Orchestra, conductor Sir Landon Ronald

14 June 1974 public rehearsal St Paul’s Church, Hammersmith

Fulham Municipal Orchestra, conductor Josef Vandernoot

16 November 1974 broadcast 28 November 1974 BBC Radio London Hammersmith Town Hall

Fulham Municipal Orchestra, conductor Josef Vandernoot

10 October 1976 live broadcast BBC Radio 3 invitation concert at Royal Albert Hall, London

New Philharmonia Orchestra, conductor Sir Charles Groves

1979 recording 1979 – The Complete Early Orchestral Works – Cameo Classics City Hall, Hull, UK

City of Hull Youth Symphony Orchestra, conductor Geoffrey Heald-Smith



Review of City of Hull Youth SO CDs – David J Brown
Review of Hull Youth SO recording – Lewis Foreman
15–16 June 1992 recording 1992 – Symphonies Nos. 17 and 32 – Naxos National Concert Hall, Dublin

RTÉ National Symphony Orchestra of Ireland, conductor Adrian Leaper



Adrian Leaper’s Brian – Malcolm MacDonald
The Marco Polo cycle – David J Brown
11 February 2012 Victoria Rooms Concert Hall, Bristol

University of Bristol Symphony Orchestra, conductor John Pickard

The jolly miller [Comedy overture 3] (1962†) 15 November 1974 first performance (performed twice) Philadelphia

Main Line Symphony Orchestra, conductor Robert Fitzpatrick

7 December 1974 first UK performance Southampton

Havant Symphony Orchestra, conductor Peter Craddock

13 November 1976 Toms River, New Jersey

Garden State Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Robert Fitzpatrick

12–15 January 1993 recording 1993 – Violin Concerto, Symphony No. 18 – Naxos Studio 1, BBC Broadcasting House, Glasgow

BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, conductor Lionel Friend



The Marco Polo cycle – David J Brown
Lacryma [from The Tigers Act III, ballet 2] (1921-22†) 30 November 1977 arr piano Aberdeen
1981 first performance Concert Hall, Villa Louvigny, Luxembourg

Luxembourg Radio Symphony Orchestra, conductor Leopold Hager

July, September 1981 recording 1981 – Symphonic Movements from The Tigers – Heritage Records 1981 – Masters of the English musical renaissance – Forlane Concert Hall, Villa Louvigny, Luxembourg

Luxembourg Radio Symphony Orchestra, conductor Leopold Hager

Legend »Ave atque vale (Hail and farewell)« (1968†) 1 April 1973 BBC recording

first performance

broadcast not broadcast

London Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Myer Fredman

4 October 2008 public première Meng Concert Hall, OCHSA, Orange County, California USA

Orange County High School for the Arts Symphony Orchestra, conductor Christopher Russell

23/24 July 2009 recording 2009 – Havergal Brian: Orchestral Music, Volume One – Toccata Classics City Halls, Glasgow

BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, conductor Garry Walker

Night ride of Faust and Mephistopheles [from Faust Act IV, Scene II Nacht-Offen Feld] (1955-56†) 25/26 June 2009 recording

first performance 2009 – Havergal Brian: Orchestral Music, Volume Two – Toccata Classics
City Halls, Glasgow

BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, conductor Garry Walker

Pantalon and Columbine (?1902-03†) later inc in English suite 1LOST 1 July 1994 Regent Hall, Oxford Street, London

London Orchestra of St Cecilia, conductor James Kelleher

27 May 1995 St James’ Church, Piccadilly, London

Millennium Sinfonia, conductor James Kelleher

Preludio tragico [from The Cenci Overture] (1951-52†) 24 September 1976 first performance

live broadcast BBC Radio 3
invitation concert at Alexandra Palace, London

New Philharmonia Orchestra, conductor Harry Newstone

25/26 June 2009 recording 2009 – Havergal Brian: Orchestral Music, Volume Two – Toccata Classics City Halls, Glasgow

BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, conductor Garry Walker

Shadow dance [from The Tigers Prelude to Act III, Scene 3] (1921-22†) 29 January 1976 first performance

Kensington Symphony Orchestra, conductor Leslie Head

July, September 1981 recording 1981 – Symphonic Movements from The Tigers – Heritage Records 1981 – Masters of the English musical renaissance – Forlane Concert Hall, Villa Louvigny, Luxembourg

Luxembourg Radio Symphony Orchestra, conductor Leopold Hager

Symphonic variations »on Has anybody here seen Kelly?« [from The Tigers Prologue, Scene 1] (1921-22†) 28 February 1924 first performance Winter Gardens, Bournemouth

Bournemouth Municipal Orchestra, conductor Sir Dan Godfrey

4 May 1924 Winter Gardens, Bournemouth (Bournemouth Music Festival)

Bournemouth Municipal Orchestra, conductor Sir Dan Godfrey

July, September 1981 recording 1981 – Symphonic Movements from The Tigers – Heritage Records 1981 – Masters of the English musical renaissance – Forlane Concert Hall, Villa Louvigny, Luxembourg

Luxembourg Radio Symphony Orchestra, conductor Leopold Hager

25/26 June 2009 recording 2009 – Havergal Brian: Orchestral Music, Volume Two – Toccata Classics City Halls, Glasgow

BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, conductor Garry Walker

Three pieces from Turandot [from Turandot, prinzessin von China Act I] (1950-51†) extracted by HB, 1962 27 May 1995 first performance St James’ Church, Piccadilly, London

Millennium Sinfonia, conductor James Kelleher



A view from the rostrum – James Kelleher
25/26 June 2009 recording 2009 – Havergal Brian: Orchestral Music, Volume Two – Toccata Classics City Halls, Glasgow

BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, conductor Garry Walker

The tinker’s wedding [Comedy overture 2] (1948†) 23 June 1949 given as a BBC New Music Rehearsal

BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, conductor Eric Warr

25 June 1950 live broadcast BBC (Scotland only) studio

BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, conductor Eric Warr

2 October 1951 live broadcast Home Service [BBC Radio 4] studio

BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, conductor Eric Warr

12 February 1972 first public performance Hammersmith Town Hall

Fulham Municipal Orchestra, conductor Josef Vandernoot

2 May 1987 recording 1987 – Havergal Brian: Symphonies Nos. 7–9 and 31 – EMI Classics Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool

Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Sir Charles Mackerras

23 September 2008 US première Marvin Cole Auditorium, Fine Arts Building, Georgia Perimeter College, Clarkston, Georgia, USA

DeKalb Symphony Orchestra, conductor Fyodor Cherniavsky

31 May & 1 June 2012 recording 2012 – Violin concerto, symphony 13 – Dutton Vocalion RSNO Centre, Henry Wood Hall, Glasgow

Royal Scottish National Orchestra, conductor Martyn Brabbins

29 March 2014 Australian premiere Queensland Performing Arts Centre, Brisbane

Queensland Youth Orchestra, conductor John Curro

Wild horsemen [from The Tigers Prologue, Scene 2] (1921-22†) 1 March 1934 first performance

live broadcast BBC
BBC Thames Wharf Studio

BBC Orchestra, conductor Granville Bantock

13 February 1944 live broadcast BBC BBC wartime studio, Bedford

BBC Symphony Orchestra, conductor Sir Adrian Boult

July, September 1981 recording 1981 – Symphonic Movements from The Tigers – Heritage Records 1981 – Masters of the English musical renaissance – Forlane Concert Hall, Villa Louvigny, Luxembourg

Luxembourg Radio Symphony Orchestra, conductor Leopold Hager

Concertos

Work Date Notes Performance
Cello concerto (1964†) 5 February 1971 first performance

broadcast 19 July 1971 BBC
Queen Elizabeth Hall

Thomas Igloi, Polyphonia, conductor Sir Adrian Boult

25 September 1991 St Johns, Smith Square, London

Moray Welsh, Thames Sinfonia, conductor Paul Taylor

20–22 September 2010 recording

world premiere recording 2010 – Works for Cello and Orchestra – Dutton Vocalion
St Jude-on-the-Hill, Hampstead Garden Suburb, London

Raphael Wallfisch (cello),
BBC Concert Orchestra, conductor Martin Yates

Violin concerto 2 (1935†) 1 June 1969 recording

first performance

broadcast 20 June 1969 BBC 1969 – Aries

Ralph Holmes, New Philharmonia Orchestra, conductor Stanley Pope

19 May 1979 first public performance St John’s Smith Square

Ralph Holmes, Young Musician’s Symphony Orchestra, conductor James Blair

14 May 1981 live broadcast BBC Radio 3 BBC studios, Manchester

Ralph Holmes, BBC Northern Symphony Orchestra, conductor James Blair

12–15 January 1993 recording 1993 – Violin Concerto, Symphony No. 18 – Naxos Studio 1, BBC Broadcasting House, Glasgow

Marat Bisengaliev (violin), BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, conductor Lionel Friend



A latter day Ysaÿe – Martin Anderson interviews Marat Bisengaliev on Classical Net
The Marco Polo cycle – David J Brown
27 May 1995 St James’ Church, Piccadilly, London

Marat Bisengaliev (violin), Millennium Sinfonia, conductor James Kelleher



A latter day Ysaÿe – Martin Anderson interviews Marat Bisengaliev on Classical Net
31 May & 1 June 2012 recording 2012 – Violin concerto, symphony 13 – Dutton Vocalion RSNO Centre, Henry Wood Hall, Glasgow

Lorraine McAslan, violin; Royal Scottish National Orchestra, conductor Martyn Brabbins

Choir

Work Date Notes Performance
Introit Amen [sic] (1924†) ?1975 recorded 1975 – Havergal Brian 13 Part Songs – British Music Society Environs

Stoke-on-Trent Bedford Singers, conductor May Walley

Unaccompanied partsongs

Work Date Notes Performance
Blow, blow thou winter wind Shakespeare (1925†) 1982 recorded 1982 – Sain Records

Stoke-on-Trent Bedford Singers, conductor May Walley

2002 broadcast 2002 BBC Radio 3

BBC Singers

29 May 2015 English Music Festival, Dorchester, Oxon

City of London Choir, director Hilary Davan Wetton

Chorus [from Prometheus unbound Chorus from Act I] Shelley (1937-44†) 27 March 2002 recording

first performance

broadcast BBC Radio 3, repeated 26 May 2002
St Paul’s . Knightsbridge . London

BBC Singers, conductor Dominic Wheeler

Come o’er the sea Moore (1906†) ?1975 recorded 1975 – Havergal Brian 13 Part Songs – British Music Society Environs

Stoke-on-Trent Bedford Singers, conductor May Walley

2002 broadcast 2002 BBC Radio 3

BBC Singers

Daybreak Longfellow (1910†) ?1975 recorded 1975 – Havergal Brian 13 Part Songs – British Music Society Environs

Stoke-on-Trent Bedford Singers, conductor May Walley

c.2000s

Exultate Singers

2002 broadcast 2002 BBC Radio 3

BBC Singers

Fairies’ song Cumberland (1908†) ?1975 recorded 1975 – Havergal Brian 13 Part Songs – British Music Society Environs

Stoke-on-Trent Bedford Singers, conductor May Walley

Fear no more the heat of the sun Shakespeare (1919†) ?1975 recorded 1975 – Havergal Brian 13 Part Songs – British Music Society Environs

Stoke-on-Trent Bedford Singers, conductor May Walley

c.2000s

Exultate Singers

O happiness, celestial fair Hannah More (1924†) 2002 broadcast 2002 BBC Radio 3

BBC Singers

He was a rat anon (1914†) 2002 broadcast 2002 BBC Radio 3

BBC Singers

In a fairy boat Weller (1906†) ?1975 recorded 1975 – Havergal Brian 13 Part Songs – British Music Society Environs

Stoke-on-Trent Bedford Singers, conductor May Walley

It was a lover and his lass Shakespeare (1919†) 27 May 2017 English Music Festival, Dorchester, Oxon

Godwine Choir, director Hilary Davan Wetton

Lullaby of an infant chief Scott (1906†) ?1975 recorded 1975 – Havergal Brian 13 Part Songs – British Music Society Environs

Stoke-on-Trent Bedford Singers, conductor May Walley

The phantom wooer Beddoes (1918†) c.2000s

Exultate Singers

Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Shakespeare (1903†) 22–24 March 1977 recorded 1977 Westminster Cathedral

London Chorale, conductor Roy Wales

1982 recorded 1982 – Sain Records

Stoke-on-Trent Bedford Singers, conductor May Walley

c.2000s

BBC Singers, conductor Roy Wales

c.2000s

Exultate Singers

2002 broadcast 2002 BBC Radio 3

BBC Singers

29 May 2015 English Music Festival, Dorchester, Oxon

City of London Choir, director Hilary Davan Wetton

6 November 2016 Hamilton, Ontario, Canada

Strata Vocal Ensemble

Shall I then be spared? Hannah More (1924†) 2002 broadcast 2002 BBC Radio 3

BBC Singers

Soul star Bantock (1906†) 2002 broadcast 2002 BBC Radio 3

BBC Singers

Stars of a summer night Longfellow (1905†) ?1975 recorded 1975 – Havergal Brian 13 Part Songs – British Music Society Environs

Stoke-on-Trent Bedford Singers, conductor May Walley

Sweet solitude Hannah More (1924†) 2002 broadcast 2002 BBC Radio 3

BBC Singers

27 May 2017 English Music Festival, Dorchester, Oxon

Godwine Choir, director Hilary Davan Wetton

Tell me, thou soul of her I love Thomson (1906†) ?1975 recorded 1975 – Havergal Brian 13 Part Songs – British Music Society Environs

Stoke-on-Trent Bedford Singers, conductor May Walley

c.2000s

Exultate Singers

Tell me, where is fancy bred Shakespeare (?1910s/20s) ?1975 recorded 1975 – Havergal Brian 13 Part Songs – British Music Society Environs

Stoke-on-Trent Bedford Singers, conductor May Walley

Ye spotted snakes Shakespeare (1914†) c.2000s

Accompanied partsongs

Work Date Notes Performance
The blossom Blake (1914†) 5–6 January 2012 recording 2012 – The complete Havergal Brian songbook - volume 2 – Stone Records Potton Hall, Suffolk, U.K.

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

The chimney sweeper Blake (1914†) 13 May 1982 recording 1982 – Havergal Brian: Songs, _Legend_ for violin and piano – Toccata Classics Wigmore Hall, London W1

Brian Rayner Cooke, baritone; Roger Vignoles, piano



Review of Brian Rayner Cook/Roger Vignoles recording – Godfrey Berry
5–6 January 2012 recording 2012 – The complete Havergal Brian songbook - volume 2 – Stone Records Potton Hall, Suffolk, U.K.

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

Come away, death Shakespeare (1925†) 2002 broadcast 2002 BBC Radio 3

BBC Singers

The dream Blake (1914†) 27 May 2017 English Music Festival, Dorchester, Oxon

Godwine Choir, director Hilary Davan Wetton

Fair pledges of a fruitful tree Herrick (1919†) ?1975 recorded 1975 – Havergal Brian 13 Part Songs – British Music Society Environs

Stoke-on-Trent Bedford Singers, conductor May Walley

The fairy palace Drayton (1915†) 2002 broadcast 2002 BBC Radio 3

BBC Singers

The fly Blake (1914†) 5–6 January 2012 recording 2012 – The complete Havergal Brian songbook - volume 2 – Stone Records Potton Hall, Suffolk, U.K.

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

Full fathom five Shakespeare (1921†) ?1975 recorded 1975 – Havergal Brian 13 Part Songs – British Music Society Environs

Stoke-on-Trent Bedford Singers, conductor May Walley

Grace for a child Herrick (1914†) ?1975 recorded 1975 – Havergal Brian 13 Part Songs – British Music Society Environs

Stoke-on-Trent Bedford Singers, conductor May Walley

The lamb Blake (1914†) 2012 Recorded for Olga Pringle's birthday, 2012

First performance
Bristol University

Students of the University of Bristol Department of Music, John Pickard, piano

The little black boy Blake (1914†) 5–6 January 2012 recording 2012 – The complete Havergal Brian songbook - volume 2 – Stone Records Potton Hall, Suffolk, U.K.

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

The mountain and the squirrel Emerson (1914†) for children 25–26 August 2011 recording 2011 – The complete Havergal Brian songbook - volume 1 – Stone Records Potton Hall, Suffolk, U.K.

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

Piping down the valleys wild Blake (1914†) 13 May 1982 recording 1982 – Havergal Brian: Songs, _Legend_ for violin and piano – Toccata Classics Wigmore Hall, London W1

Brian Rayner Cooke, baritone; Roger Vignoles, piano



Review of Brian Rayner Cook/Roger Vignoles recording – Godfrey Berry
5–6 January 2012 recording 2012 – The complete Havergal Brian songbook - volume 2 – Stone Records Potton Hall, Suffolk, U.K.

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

Three semichoruses [from Prometheus unbound Act II scene 2] Shelley (1937-44†) 25 June 1983 Nos 1 and 3 only

first performance
Sixth Festival of British Music . South Hill Park, Bracknell

Tudor Singers, conductor Michael Smedley

27 March 2002 recording

first performance of Act II semichorus 2

broadcast 26 May 2002 BBC Radio 3
St Paul’s . Knightsbridge . London

Sioned Williams (harp), ? (flute), BBC Singers, conductor Dominic Wheeler

What does little birdie say? Tennyson (1914†) 25–26 August 2011 recording 2011 – The complete Havergal Brian songbook - volume 1 – Stone Records Potton Hall, Suffolk, U.K.

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

Chorus and orchestra

Work Date Notes Performance
Choral pieces for female voices and orchestra (or piano) »The hag« Herrick (1912†) 13 May 1976 first performance St Mark’s Church, Shelton, Stoke-on-Trent, UK

Bedford Singers, North Staffordshire Symphony Orchestra, conductor Nicholas Smith

c1979 recording 1979 – The Complete Early Orchestral Works – Cameo Classics

Saint Nicholas Singers,
City of Hull Youth Symphony Orchestra, conductor Geoffrey Heald-Smith



Review of City of Hull Youth SO CDs – David J Brown
Review of Hull Youth SO recording – Lewis Foreman
7 July 2017 recording

World professional premiere 2017 – The Vision of Cleopatra – Dutton Vocalion
St Jude-on-the-Hill, Hamsptead, London

Words by Robert Herrick

English National Opera Orchestra & Chorus, conductor Martyn Brabbins

Choral pieces for female voices and orchestra (or piano) »Requiem for the rose« Herrick (1912†) 13 May 1976 first performance St Mark’s Church, Shelton, Stoke-on-Trent, UK

Bedford Singers, North Staffordshire Symphony Orchestra, conductor Nicholas Smith

c1979 recording 1979 – The Complete Early Orchestral Works – Cameo Classics

Saint Nicholas Singers, City of Hull Youth Symphony Orchestra, conductor Geoffrey Heald-Smith



Review of City of Hull Youth SO CDs – David J Brown
Review of Hull Youth SO recording – Lewis Foreman
7 July 2017 recording

World professional premiere 2017 – The Vision of Cleopatra – Dutton Vocalion
St Jude-on-the-Hill, Hamsptead, London

Words by Robert Herrick

English National Opera Orchestra & Chorus, conductor Martyn Brabbins

Soloists and orchestra

Work Date Notes Performance
Gretchen songs [from Faust Act II] (1955-56†) 5–6 January 2012 recording 2012 – The complete Havergal Brian songbook - volume 2 – Stone Records Potton Hall, Suffolk, U.K.

Michelle Walton, soprano; Sholto Kynoch, piano

Prologue in Heaven [from Faust Prologue im Himmel] (1955-56†) 9 March 1979 recording

first performance

broadcast 31 March 1979 BBC Radio 3
BBC Maida Vale Studios, London

Soloists, BBC Symphony Orchestra, conductor Sir Charles Mackerras

Soloists, chorus and orchestra

Work Date Notes Performance
By the waters of Babylon (1905†) rev 1909LOST 18 April 1907 first performance Victoria Hall, Hanley, UK

North Staffordshire and District Choral Society, conductor Havergal Brian

25 September 1909 first performance of rescored version Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool

Frederick Austin (ten), Liverpool Welsh Choral Union, a Festival Orchestra, conductor Harry Evans

31 March 1982 arr organ by Gillian Ward Russell St Leonard’s Church, Marston Green, Birmingham

David Hill (ten), Chelmsley Wood Choral Society, Colin Druce (org), conductor Philip Litchfield

20 May 2001 arr organ by Maris Kristapsons St John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church, Poughkeepsie, NY, US

? (bar), Susan Gose (org), St John’s Evangelical Lutheran Church Senior Choir, conductor Maris Kristapsons

Psalm 23 (c.1904,1944–45†) reconstructed 1944-45 10 March 1973 first performance

broadcast 12 April 1973 BBC Radio Brighton, repeated 15 April 1973
All Saint’s Church, Hove

Stuart Holland (ten), Brighton Festival Chorus, Leicestershire Schools Symphony Orchestra, conductor Laszlo Heltay

10 April 1974 recording 1974 – Havergal Brian: The First Commercial Recordings – Heritage Records 1974 – Havergal Brian: Symphony No. 22 and other works – Klassic Haus Restorations Hove Town Hall

Paul Taylor (tenor), Brighton Festival Chorus, Leicestershire Schools Symphony Orchestra, conductor Laszlo Heltay

30 August 1974 live broadcast BBC Radio 3

Paul Taylor (ten), Brighton Festival Chorus, Leicestershire Schools Symphony Orchestra, conductor Laszlo Heltay

9 June 1975 version by ? for 2 tpts, org St Thomas’ Church, Stoke-onTrent, UK (Penhull Festival)

John Wilbraham (tpt), Michael Laird (tpt), Leslie Pearson (org), Stoke-on-Trent Bedford Singers, conductor May Walley

5 October 1975 broadcast Brisbane and Sydney area
6 March 1976 Clare College Chapel, Cambridge, UK

Clare College Music Society

26 December 1976 broadcast Brisbane and Sydney area
11 September 1977 broadcast Brisbane and Sydney area
9 May 1987 performance without orchestra

Davis (ten), choirs, conductor Philip Litchfield



Review of Litchfield performance – David J Brown
15 May 1988 first professional performance Assembly Hall, Worthing, Sussex

David Maxwell Anderson (ten), Worthing Philharmonic Choir, Worthing Symphony Orchestra, conductor Jan Cervenka



Preparing Psalm 23 for performance – Elizabeth Hanmore
27 August 1992 Three Choirs Festival, Gloucester

Maldwyn Davies (ten), Three Choirs Festival Chorus [Hereford and Worcester sections], Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Roy Massey

14 July 2002 recording 2002 – Elgar and the English Choral Tradition – Classico Records Philharmonic Hall, Liverpool

Kevin Matthews (ten), Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Chorus, Royal Liverpool Philharmonic Orchestra, conductor Douglas Bostock



Recording Brian in Liverpool – Lewis Foreman
Elgar & The English Choral Tradition
Psalm 23 on CD
The vision of Cleopatra Cumberland (1907†) original full score lost; re-orchestrated in contemporary Brian style by John Pickard 2014 14 October 1909 first and only performance of the original score Southport, UK (Southport Festival)

Maud Phillips (sop - Iris), Lillie Whiteside (mezzo - Charmian), Phillis Lett (alto - Cleopatra), John Coates (ten - Antony), Festival Chorus, Hallé Orchestra, conductor Sir Landon Ronald



Contemporary review of premiere
8 May 1982 Prelude

arr piano
London College of Music

Peter Jacobs

12 March 2016 Premiere of John Pickard’s re-orchestration Victoria Rooms, Bristol

Iris - Eve Daniell (soprano), Charmion - Rachael Cox (mezzo-soprano), Cleopatra - Angharad Lyddon (contralto), Antony - Jeffrey Lloyd-Roberts (tenor), University of Bristol Symphony Orchestra & Chorus, conductor John Pickard

7 July 2017 recording

World premiere recording 2017 – The Vision of Cleopatra – Dutton Vocalion
St Jude-on-the-Hill, Hamsptead, London

Claudia Boyle (Iris), Angharad Lyddon (Charmion), Claudia Huckle (Cleopatra), Peter Auty (Antony), English National Opera Orchestra & Chorus, conductor Martyn Brabbins

Chamber music

Work Date Notes Performance
Legend (?1919†) 12 April 1975 first performance St Saviour’s Hall, London NW3

Anne Measures, violin; Francis Shaw, piano

19 April 1975 West Linton, Peeblesshire (Scotland)

Leonard Friedman (violin), Lawrence Oliver (piano)

8 June 1975 British Institute of Recorded Sound, London

Ann Measures (violin), Michael Frayan (piano)

29 February 1976 Music Centre, Belmont St, Aberdeen

Fiona Cameron (violin), Stephen Calder (piano)

5 December 1976 played twice Victoria Theatre, Stoke-on-Trent

Ann Measures (violin), Ronald Stevenson (piano)

12 February 1977

Banks (violin), Tocher or Cheyne (piano)

4 November 1977 Concert Hall, Barber Institute, Birmingham

Richard Gwilt (violin), Stephen Gibson (piano)

26 May 1978 Manchester University

Edmund Reid (violin), Gretta Barrow (piano)

12 June 1978 Wigmore Hall, London

Edmund Reid (violin), Gretta Barrow (piano)

14–15 December 1981 recording 1981 – Havergal Brian: Songs, _Legend_ for violin and piano – Toccata Classics Craxton Studios, London NW3

Steven Levine, violin; Peter Lawson, piano



Review of Reid/Barrow recording of Legend – Martin Anderson
1984 recording 1984 – Music for Violin and Piano – Classical Elegance

Edmund Reid (violin), Gretta Barrow (piano)



Review of Reid/Barrow recording of Legend – Martin Anderson
?1984 recording

broadcast 29 January 1984 WKNO, Memphis, USA

Mrs Russell Wiener (violin), Frank Callaway (piano)

26 November 1984 Beethoven Club, Memphis, Tennessee, US

Greg Morris (violin), Frank Callaway (piano)

13 June 1986 Longy School of Music, Cambridge, Mass, US

Janet Packer (violin), George Barth (piano)

1994 Guadalajara, Mexico

Robert Wilson (violin), Leonor Montijo (piano)

1 April 1996

Marat Bisengaliev (violin), John Lenehan (piano)

24 November 1998 British Music Information Centre, London

David Hackbridge Johnson (violin), You Meng Chan (piano)

13 October 1999 Ohio State University, Columbus, OH, US

Janet Packer (violin), Orin Grossman (piano)

15 October 1999 Cleveland State University, Cleveland, OH, US

Janet Packer (violin), Orin Grossman (piano)

5 November 1999 Connecticut College, New London, CT, US

Janet Packer (violin), Allen Brings (piano)

7 November 1999 Andrews University, Berrien Springs, MI, US

Janet Packer (violin), Kenneth Drake (piano)

8 November 1999 Notre Dame University, South Bend, IN, US

Janet Packer (violin), Kenneth Drake (piano)

23 January 2000 Crocker Art Museum, Sacramento, CA, US

Janet Packer (violin), Orin Grossman (piano)

28 January 2000 Old First Concerts, San Francisco, CA, US

Janet Packer (violin), Orin Grossman (piano)

February 2000 University of California, Santa Barbara, CA, US

Janet Packer (violin), Genevieve Lee (piano)

16 February 2000 Pomona College, Pomona, CA, US

Janet Packer (violin), Genevieve Lee (piano)

18 February 2000 University of Redlands, Redlands, CA, US

Janet Packer (violin), Genevieve Lee (piano)

20 February 2000 University of Chicago, Chicago, IL, US

Janet Packer (violin), Orin Grossman (piano)

23 February 2000 Northwestern University, Evanston, IL, US

Janet Packer (violin), Kenneth Drake (piano)

1 March 2000 Hartt School, W. Hartford, CT, US

Janet Packer (violin), Orin Grossman (piano)

17 March 2000 Bates College, Lewiston, ME, US

Janet Packer (violin), Jozef de Beenhouwer (piano)

19 March 2000 Ogunquit Performing Arts, Ogunquit, ME, US

Janet Packer (violin), Jozef de Beenhouwer (piano)

22 March 2000 Tsai Performance Center, Boston, MA, US

Janet Packer (violin), Jozef de Beenhouwer (piano)

27 March 2000 Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, US

Janet Packer (violin), Orin Grossman (piano)

7 April 2000 Joslyn Art Museum, Omaha, NE, US

Janet Packer (violin), Allen Brings (piano)

9 April 2000 Lewis and Clark College, Portland, OR, US

Janet Packer (violin), Allen Brings (piano)

17 April 2000 Queens College, Flushing, NY, US

Janet Packer (violin), Allen Brings (piano)

21 April 2000 University of Kansas, Lawrence, KS, US

Janet Packer (violin), ? (piano)

March 2001 broadcast 6 June 2001 part of BBC Radio 3’s ‘Composer of the Week’ series

Elizabeth Layton (violin), Scott Mitchell (piano)

2006 arrangement for strings Brighton, East Sussex

Brighton Youth Orchestra, conductor Andrew Sherwood

22 January 2011 arrangement for strings All Saints Centre, Lewes, East Sussex

Musicians of All Saints, conductor Andrew Sherwood

25–26 August 2011 recording 2011 – The complete Havergal Brian songbook - volume 1 – Stone Records Potton Hall, Suffolk, U.K.

Jonathan Stone, violin; Sholto Kynoch, piano

22 September 2012 arrangement for violin and strings St John sub Castro church, Abinger Place, Lewes, East Sussex

Valtie Nunn (violin), Musicians of All Saints, conductor Andrew Sherwood

25 May 2013 English Music Festival, Dorchester, Oxon

Rupert Marshall-Luck (vln), Matthew Rickard (pno)

18 February 2017 Gloucester Music Society; Gloucester Cathedral Chapter House

Rupert Marshall-Luck (vln), Duncan Honeybourne (pno)

[title unknown] (1906-07†) — LOST ?1906 Hanley
24 April 1907 Broadwood’s Studios, London

Willy Lehmann (cello), WH Haddon Squire (piano)

Piano music

Work Date Notes Performance
Double fugue in E flat (1924†) 22 February 1967 first performance

broadcast BBC

John Lill

February 1981 recording 1981 – The Complete Piano Music – Cameo Classics

Peter Hill, (Douglas Young, 2nd piano)

5 August 1986 first public performance British Music Information Centre, London

Raymond Clarke

31 March 1988 South Bank Centre, London

Raymond Clarke

17 June 1997

Raymond Clarke

19–20 June 1997 recording 1997 – The Complete Piano Music – Athene Minerva Potton Hall, Dunwich, Suffolk

Raymond Clarke



The Complete Piano Music: 2 reviews – Rob Barnett, David Wright
Three illuminations Brian (1916†) 12 April 1935 earliest known performance Aeolian Hall, London

John Tobin



Contemporary thirties criticism of Brian performances – Norman V Dagg
24 June 1980 Butterfly’s waltz

Robert Keys

February 1981 recording 1981 – The Complete Piano Music – Cameo Classics

Peter Hill (piano), Christopher Kay (speaker)

21 April 1982 Trent Park Music Centre, London

John Mitchell (piano), Frank Bayford (speaker)

19–20 June 1997 recording 1997 – The Complete Piano Music – Athene Minerva Potton Hall, Dunwich, Suffolk

Raymond Clarke (piano), Tessa Spong (speaker)



The Complete Piano Music: 2 reviews – Rob Barnett, David Wright
19–20 June 1997 piano solo version

recording 1997 – The Complete Piano Music – Athene Minerva
Potton Hall, Dunwich, Suffolk

Raymond Clarke (piano)



The Complete Piano Music: 2 reviews – Rob Barnett, David Wright
17 March & 27 May 2006 Calgary, Canada

Gordon Rumson (pno); Caroline Horne (spkr)

25–26 August 2011 recording 2011 – The complete Havergal Brian songbook - volume 1 – Stone Records Potton Hall, Suffolk, U.K.

Sholto Kynoch, piano

Four miniatures (1919-20†) 27 November 1933 No. 2, 'Land of Dreams'

First performance of No. 2 'Land of Dreams' 1933 – The Vision of Cleopatra – Dutton Vocalion
Small hall, Stockholm Concert Hall, Stockholm, Sweden

Evelyn Munro

18 December 1934 first complete performance Wigmore Hall, London

Meyer Rosenstein

1966 Mansion House, London

Eve Barsham

25 November 1967 broadcast BBC Radio 3

Ronald Stevenson

1976

Calder

30 January 1976

Ronald Stevenson

29 February 1976 Music Centre, Belmont St, Aberdeen

Iain Maxwell

12 November 1976 Mitchell Hall, Aberdeen

Iain Maxwell

14 October 1977 Mitchell Hall, Aberdeen

Iain Maxwell

9 March 1978 broadcast 6 May 1978 BBC Radio Manchester Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester

Ronald Stevenson

February 1981 recording 1981 – The Complete Piano Music – Cameo Classics

Peter Hill

2 December 1983 St Andrews, Scotland

Adrian Ure

31 March 1988

Raymond Clarke

27 June 1989 Firth Hall, Sheffield

Peter Hill

12 June 1992 Stephen Joseph Room, Newcastle under Lyme

Ronald Stevenson

17 June 1997

Raymond Clarke

19–20 June 1997 recording 1997 – The Complete Piano Music – Athene Minerva Potton Hall, Dunwich, Suffolk

Raymond Clarke



The Complete Piano Music: 2 reviews – Rob Barnett, David Wright
5–6 January 2012 recording 2012 – The complete Havergal Brian songbook - volume 2 – Stone Records Potton Hall, Suffolk, U.K.

Sholto Kynoch, piano

Prelude »John Dowland’s fancy« (1934†) 18 December 1934 first performance Wigmore Hall

Meyer Rosenstein



Review of premiere – Norman V Dagg
18 February 1977 Mitchell Hall, Aberdeen

Andrew Cheyne

February 1981 recording 1981 – The Complete Piano Music – Cameo Classics

Peter Hill

31 March 1988

Raymond Clarke

12 June 1992 Stephen Joseph Room, Newcastle under Lyme

Ronald Stevenson

14 June 1997 guitar

Durrant

17 June 1997

Raymond Clarke

19–20 June 1997 recording 1997 – The Complete Piano Music – Athene Minerva Potton Hall, Dunwich, Suffolk

Raymond Clarke



The Complete Piano Music: 2 reviews – Rob Barnett, David Wright
14 March 2005 Sturminster

Elaine Korman

25–26 August 2011 recording 2011 – The complete Havergal Brian songbook - volume 1 – Stone Records Potton Hall, Suffolk, U.K.

Sholto Kynoch, piano

25 May 2013 Union Church, Heathfield, E Sussex, UK

Gavin Stevens, piano

Prelude and fugue in C minor (1924†) 9 May 1946 first performance Leamington Music Club

Robert Keys

1 December 1976 Music Centre, Belmont St, Aberdeen University

Stephen Calder

6 December 1977 tr Leith for organ St Mary’s Cathedral, Aberdeen

Ronald Leith (organ)

9 March 1978 broadcast 6 May 1978 BBC Radio Manchester Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester

Ronald Stevenson

13 April 1980 broadcast BBC Radio3 recording

Peter Hill

February 1981 recording 1981 – The Complete Piano Music – Cameo Classics

Peter Hill

26 November 1983 Beethoven Club, Memphis, Tennessee US

Frank Callaway

5 August 1986

Raymond Clarke

13 May 1989

Raymond Clarke

12 June 1992 Stephen Joseph Room, Newcastle under Lyme

Ronald Stevenson

17 June 1997

Raymond Clarke

19–20 June 1997 recording 1997 – The Complete Piano Music – Athene Minerva Potton Hall, Dunwich, Suffolk

Raymond Clarke



The Complete Piano Music: 2 reviews – Rob Barnett, David Wright
14 December 2007 Recital Hall, Birmingham Conservatoire, UK

Duncan Honeybourne, piano

25 May 2013 Union Church, Heathfield, E Sussex, UK

Gavin Stevens, piano

Prelude and fugue in D minor/major (1924†) 9 May 1946 first performance Leamington Music Club

Robert Keys

1 December 1976 Aberdeen University

Andrew Cheyne

6 December 1977 tr Leith for organ St Mary’s Cathedral, Aberdeen

Ronald Leith (organ)

13 April 1980 BBC Radio 3 recording

Peter Hill

February 1981 recording 1981 – The Complete Piano Music – Cameo Classics

Peter Hill

5 August 1986

Raymond Clarke

13 May 1989

Raymond Clarke

17 June 1997

Raymond Clarke

19–20 June 1997 recording 1997 – The Complete Piano Music – Athene Minerva Potton Hall, Dunwich, Suffolk

Raymond Clarke



The Complete Piano Music: 2 reviews – Rob Barnett, David Wright

Solo songs

Work Date Notes Performance
The birds Blake (1919†) 19–20 June 1997 recording 1997 – The Complete Piano Music – Athene Minerva Potton Hall, Dunwich, Suffolk

Raymond Clarke (piano), Esther King (mezzo-soprano)



The Complete Piano Music: 2 reviews – Rob Barnett, David Wright
5–6 January 2012 recording 2012 – The complete Havergal Brian songbook - volume 2 – Stone Records Potton Hall, Suffolk, U.K.

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

Care-charmer sleep Samuel Daniel (1919†) 14 April 1982 recording 1982 – Havergal Brian: Songs, _Legend_ for violin and piano – Toccata Classics Wigmore Hall, London W1

Brian Rayner Cooke, baritone; Roger Vignoles, piano



Review of Brian Rayner Cook/Roger Vignoles recording – Godfrey Berry
25–26 August 2011 recording 2011 – The complete Havergal Brian songbook - volume 1 – Stone Records Potton Hall, Suffolk, U.K.

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

Day and night Cumberland (1906†) 25–26 August 2011 recording 2011 – The complete Havergal Brian songbook - volume 1 – Stone Records Potton Hall, Suffolk, U.K.

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

The defiled sanctuary Blake (1918-19†) 13 May 1982 recording 1982 – Havergal Brian: Songs, _Legend_ for violin and piano – Toccata Classics Wigmore Hall, London W1

Brian Rayner Cooke, baritone; Roger Vignoles, piano



Review of Brian Rayner Cook/Roger Vignoles recording – Godfrey Berry
19–20 June 1997 recording 1997 – The Complete Piano Music – Athene Minerva Potton Hall, Dunwich, Suffolk

Raymond Clarke (piano), Esther King (mezzo-soprano)



The Complete Piano Music: 2 reviews – Rob Barnett, David Wright
5–6 January 2012 recording 2012 – The complete Havergal Brian songbook - volume 2 – Stone Records Potton Hall, Suffolk, U.K.

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

A faery song Yeats (1906†) 25–26 August 2011 recording 2011 – The complete Havergal Brian songbook - volume 1 – Stone Records Potton Hall, Suffolk, U.K.

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

Farewell Bishop Heber (?1904-06†) 1905 first performance
14 April 1982 recording 1982 – Havergal Brian: Songs, _Legend_ for violin and piano – Toccata Classics Wigmore Hall, London W1

Brian Rayner Cooke, baritone; Roger Vignoles, piano



Review of Brian Rayner Cook/Roger Vignoles recording – Godfrey Berry
25–26 August 2011 recording 2011 – The complete Havergal Brian songbook - volume 1 – Stone Records Potton Hall, Suffolk, U.K.

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

If I could speak Cumberland (1906†) 25–26 August 2011 recording 2011 – The complete Havergal Brian songbook - volume 1 – Stone Records Potton Hall, Suffolk, U.K.

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

Lady Ellayne Temple Keble (1918-19†) 13 May 1982 recording 1982 – Havergal Brian: Songs, _Legend_ for violin and piano – Toccata Classics Wigmore Hall, London W1

Brian Rayner Cooke, baritone; Roger Vignoles, piano



Review of Brian Rayner Cook/Roger Vignoles recording – Godfrey Berry
5–6 January 2012 recording 2012 – The complete Havergal Brian songbook - volume 2 – Stone Records Potton Hall, Suffolk, U.K.

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

The land of dreams Blake (1919†) 13 May 1982 recording 1982 – Havergal Brian: Songs, _Legend_ for violin and piano – Toccata Classics Wigmore Hall, London W1

Brian Rayner Cooke, baritone; Roger Vignoles, piano



Review of Brian Rayner Cook/Roger Vignoles recording – Godfrey Berry
19–20 June 1997 recording 1997 – The Complete Piano Music – Athene Minerva Potton Hall, Dunwich, Suffolk

Raymond Clarke (piano), Esther King (mezzo-soprano)



The Complete Piano Music: 2 reviews – Rob Barnett, David Wright
5–6 January 2012 recording 2012 – The complete Havergal Brian songbook - volume 2 – Stone Records Potton Hall, Suffolk, U.K.

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

Little sleeper [from Soliloquy upon a dead child] Hafiz (1906†) rev 1972 25–26 August 2011 recording 2011 – The complete Havergal Brian songbook - volume 1 – Stone Records Potton Hall, Suffolk, U.K.

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

The lost doll Kingsley (1914†) 25–26 August 2011 recording 2011 – The complete Havergal Brian songbook - volume 1 – Stone Records Potton Hall, Suffolk, U.K.

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

Love is a merry game Temple Keble (1918†) 13 May 1982 recording 1982 – Havergal Brian: Songs, _Legend_ for violin and piano – Toccata Classics Wigmore Hall, London W1

Brian Rayner Cooke, baritone; Roger Vignoles, piano



Review of Brian Rayner Cook/Roger Vignoles recording – Godfrey Berry
5–6 January 2012 recording 2012 – The complete Havergal Brian songbook - volume 2 – Stone Records Potton Hall, Suffolk, U.K.

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

The mad maid’s song Herrick (1910†) orch score lost 5–6 January 2012 recording 2012 – The complete Havergal Brian songbook - volume 2 – Stone Records Potton Hall, Suffolk, U.K.

Michelle Walton, soprano; Sholto Kynoch, piano

The message Donne (?1904-06†) 1905 first performance
14 April 1982 recording 1982 – Havergal Brian: Songs, _Legend_ for violin and piano – Toccata Classics Wigmore Hall, London W1

Brian Rayner Cooke, baritone; Roger Vignoles, piano



Review of Brian Rayner Cook/Roger Vignoles recording – Godfrey Berry
25–26 August 2011 recording 2011 – The complete Havergal Brian songbook - volume 1 – Stone Records Potton Hall, Suffolk, U.K.

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

The night piece Herrick (1910†) orch score lost 5–6 January 2012 recording 2012 – The complete Havergal Brian songbook - volume 2 – Stone Records Potton Hall, Suffolk, U.K.

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

On parting Temple Keble (1918†) 13 May 1982 recording 1982 – Havergal Brian: Songs, _Legend_ for violin and piano – Toccata Classics Wigmore Hall, London W1

Brian Rayner Cooke, baritone; Roger Vignoles, piano



Review of Brian Rayner Cook/Roger Vignoles recording – Godfrey Berry
5–6 January 2012 recording 2012 – The complete Havergal Brian songbook - volume 2 – Stone Records Potton Hall, Suffolk, U.K.

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

Renunciation Temple Keble (1918-19†) 13 May 1982 recording 1982 – Havergal Brian: Songs, _Legend_ for violin and piano – Toccata Classics Wigmore Hall, London W1

Brian Rayner Cooke, baritone; Roger Vignoles, piano



Review of Brian Rayner Cook/Roger Vignoles recording – Godfrey Berry
5–6 January 2012 recording 2012 – The complete Havergal Brian songbook - volume 2 – Stone Records Potton Hall, Suffolk, U.K.

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

Since love is dead Bowles (c.1922-23†) 14 April 1982 recording 1982 – Havergal Brian: Songs, _Legend_ for violin and piano – Toccata Classics Wigmore Hall, London W1

Brian Rayner Cooke, baritone; Roger Vignoles, piano



Review of Brian Rayner Cook/Roger Vignoles recording – Godfrey Berry
25–26 August 2011 recording 2011 – The complete Havergal Brian songbook - volume 1 – Stone Records Potton Hall, Suffolk, U.K.

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

Soliloquy upon a dead child Cumberland (1906†) 25–26 August 2011 recording 2011 – The complete Havergal Brian songbook - volume 1 – Stone Records Potton Hall, Suffolk, U.K.

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

Sorrow song Samuel Daniel (?1904-06†) 14 April 1982 recording 1982 – Havergal Brian: Songs, _Legend_ for violin and piano – Toccata Classics Wigmore Hall, London W1

Brian Rayner Cooke, baritone; Roger Vignoles, piano



Review of Brian Rayner Cook/Roger Vignoles recording – Godfrey Berry
25–26 August 2011 recording 2011 – The complete Havergal Brian songbook - volume 1 – Stone Records Potton Hall, Suffolk, U.K.

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

The soul of steel C. M. Masterman (1920-21) 14 April 1982 recording 1982 – Havergal Brian: Songs, _Legend_ for violin and piano – Toccata Classics Wigmore Hall, London W1

Brian Rayner Cooke, baritone; Roger Vignoles, piano



Review of Brian Rayner Cook/Roger Vignoles recording – Godfrey Berry
25–26 August 2011 recording 2011 – The complete Havergal Brian songbook - volume 1 – Stone Records Potton Hall, Suffolk, U.K.

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

Take, O take those lips away Shakespeare (1919-21) 14 April 1982 recording 1982 – Havergal Brian: Songs, _Legend_ for violin and piano – Toccata Classics Wigmore Hall, London W1

Brian Rayner Cooke, baritone; Roger Vignoles, piano



Review of Brian Rayner Cook/Roger Vignoles recording – Godfrey Berry
25–26 August 2011 recording 2011 – The complete Havergal Brian songbook - volume 1 – Stone Records Potton Hall, Suffolk, U.K.

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

When I lie ill Cumberland (1906†) 25–26 August 2011 recording 2011 – The complete Havergal Brian songbook - volume 1 – Stone Records Potton Hall, Suffolk, U.K.

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

When icicles hang by the wall Shakespeare (1919†) 14 April 1982 recording 1982 – Havergal Brian: Songs, _Legend_ for violin and piano – Toccata Classics Wigmore Hall, London W1

Brian Rayner Cooke, baritone; Roger Vignoles, piano



Review of Brian Rayner Cook/Roger Vignoles recording – Godfrey Berry
25–26 August 2011 recording 2011 – The complete Havergal Brian songbook - volume 1 – Stone Records Potton Hall, Suffolk, U.K.

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

When the sun goes down Temple Keble (1918†) 5–6 January 2012 recording 2012 – The complete Havergal Brian songbook - volume 2 – Stone Records Potton Hall, Suffolk, U.K.

Michelle Walton, soprano; Sholto Kynoch, piano

Why dost thou wound and break my heart? Herrick (1910†) 13 May 1982 recording 1982 – Havergal Brian: Songs, _Legend_ for violin and piano – Toccata Classics Wigmore Hall, London W1

Brian Rayner Cooke, baritone; Roger Vignoles, piano



Review of Brian Rayner Cook/Roger Vignoles recording – Godfrey Berry
5–6 January 2012 recording 2012 – The complete Havergal Brian songbook - volume 2 – Stone Records Potton Hall, Suffolk, U.K.

Mark Stone, baritone; Sholto Kynoch, piano

Operas

Work Date Notes Performance
Agamemnon Aeschylus (1957†) 28 January 1971 first performance St John’s, Smith Square, London

Valerie Hill (sop) Clytemnestra,
Carole Rosen (mezzo) Cassandra,
Richard Gandy (ten) Agamemnon/Watchman,
George Macpherson (bass-bar) Herald/Old man,
Opera dei Giovani, Kensington Symphony Orchestra, conductor Leslie Head

4 March 1973 broadcast 16 June 1973 BBC Radio 3, repeated 20 August 1974 Manchester Town Hall

Milla Andrew (sop) Clytemnestra,
Ann Howard (mezzo) Cassandra,
William MacAlpine (ten) Agamemnon,
John Dobson (ten) Watchman,
Michael Rippon (bass) Herald,
Dennis Wicks (bass) Old man,
BBC Northern Singers, BBC Northern Symphony Orchestra, conductor Richard Armstrong

The Cenci Shelley (1951-52†) 18 November 1980 Fanfare from scene 7 St John’s Smith Square

Kensington Symphony Orchestra, conductor Leslie Head

12 December 1997 first concert performance Queen Elizabeth Hall, London

Helen Field (sop) Beatrice Cenci
David Wilson-Johnson (bar) Count Cenci
Inga Jonsdottir (alto) Lucretia
Stuart Kale (ten) Cardinal Camillo/An officer
Justin Lavender (ten) Orsino/Bernardo
Jeffrey Carl (bar) Giacomo/Savella/1st judge/2nd judge
Nicholas Buxton (ten) Marzio/3rd guest/A cardinal
Devon Harrison (bass) Olimpio/Colonna/A guest
Serena Kay (sop) 1st guest/2nd guest
The Millennium Sinfonia, conductor James Kelleher



Fearful and monstrous – Martin Anderson
The Tigers Brian (1917-29†) 3-8 January 1983 recording

broadcast 3 May 1983 BBC Radio 3 1983 – _The Tigers_ – Testament

Teresa Cahill (soprano) Mrs Freebody/Lady 1
Alison Hargan (soprano) Columbine/Female in car/Lady Stout
Marilyn Hill-Smith (soprano) Lady 2/Toy seller
Ameral Gunson (mezzo soprano) Lady 3
Ann Marie Owens (alto) Costerwoman/Sweetmeat seller
Paul Crook (tenor) Artist/Bishop/Clergyman 2/Cook 2
Harry Nicoll (tenor) Constable 1/Pantalon
John Winfield (tenor) Coster/Clergyman 1/Cook 1/Old clothes seller
Kenneth Wollam (tenor) Man on elephant/Man in tweeds
Ian Caddy (baritone) Coster 1/Gentleman 1/Policeman 1
Malcolm Donnelly (baritone) Colonel Sir John Stout
Henry Herford (baritone) Gentleman 2
Alan Opie (baritone) Clergyman 5/Napoleon/Young man
Alan Watt (baritone) Coster 3/Clergyman 3/Fruitseller/Policeman 2
Norman Welsby (baritone) Billposterer/Clergyman 4/Elephant keeper/Man’s voice/Police sergeant
Richard Angas (bass-baritone) Alexander the Great/Crier/Constable 2/Guard/Policeman 3
Eric Shilling (bass-baritone) Officer/Regimental sergeant major/Voices
Denis Wicks (bass) Coster 2/Clergyman 6/Red Indian
BBC Singers The Tigers/Crowds
BBC Symphony Orchestra, conductor Lionel Friend
producer Elaine Padmore

28 May 2010 Shadow Dance English Music Festival, Dorchester, Oxon

BBC Concert Orchestra, conductor Gavin Sutherland

Transcriptions by Brian

Work Date Notes Performance
Handel: Dear Adonis from Venus and Adonis (1937†) 5–6 January 2012 recording 2012 – The complete Havergal Brian songbook - volume 2 – Stone Records Potton Hall, Suffolk, U.K.

Michelle Walton, soprano; Sholto Kynoch, piano

Handel: Transporting joy from Venus and Adonis (1937†) 5–6 January 2012 recording 2012 – The complete Havergal Brian songbook - volume 2 – Stone Records Potton Hall, Suffolk, U.K.

Michelle Walton, soprano; Sholto Kynoch, piano

Arrangements by others

Work Date Notes Performance
The battle song [from The battle song] (1930-31) realised John Pickard 1997 16 September 2001 premiere Symphony Hall, Birmingham, UK

Buy as you view Cory Band, conductor Robert Childs

17 November 2001 Victoria Rooms, University of Bristol, Queen’s Road, Bristol, UK

Buy as you view Cory Band, conductor Robert Childs

2–3 February 2002 recording 2002 – Heritage – Doyen Recordings Cwmbran Council Chambers, Gwent

Buy as you view Cory Band, conductor Robert Childs

Fanfare [from The Cenci Scene 3 (Banqueting scene)] (1951-52†) arr MacDonald 4 October 1974 first performance (performed twice)

University of Illinois Wind Ensemble, conductor Robert Gray

1976 1976 – The 20th Century Album – Decca 1976 – British Music for Brass – Decca Kingsway London Hall, London

Philip Jones Brass Ensemble, conductor Howard Snell

Fanfare [from Fanfare from The Grotesques] (1921) realised MacDonald 1977 8 March 1978 rescored Harris for full windband Danum Grammar School, Doncaster

Doncaster Schools’ Wind Band, conductor Anthony Harris

18 November 1980 St John’s Smith Square

Kensington Symphony Orchestra, conductor Leslie Head

Minuet and funeral march [from Turandot, prinzessin von China Act II, Scene 1; Act III, Scene 2] (1950-51) trans MacDonald and Stevenson 1973 3 May 1973 first performance Reid Concert Hall, University of Edinburgh

Ronald Stevenson

5 May 1973 Wigmore Hall, London

Ronald Stevenson

30 January 1976

Ronald Stevenson

25 July 1976 broadcast BBC Radio 3

Ronald Stevenson

5 December 1976 Funeral march only Victoria Theatre, Stoke on Trent

Ronald Stevenson

22 March 1977 broadcast BBC Radio 3

Ronald Stevenson

29 April 1977 Funeral march only Mitchell Hall, Aberdeen University

Ronald Stevenson

9 March 1978 broadcast 6 May 1978 BBC Radio Manchester Royal Exchange Theatre, Manchester

Ronald Stevenson

February 1981 recording 1981 – The Complete Piano Music – Cameo Classics

Peter Hill

31 March 1988

Raymond Clarke

12 June 1992 Funeral march only Stephen Joseph Room, Newcastle under Lyme

Ronald Stevenson

Symphonic variations »on Has anybody here seen Kelly?« [from The Tigers Prologue, Scene 1] (1921-22) arr Ronald Stevenson 5 December 1976 Victoria Theatre, Stoke on Trent

Ronald Stevenson

29 April 1977 Mitchell Hall, Aberdeen University

Ronald Stevenson

14 October 1977 Mitchell Hall, Aberdeen University

Iain Maxwell

Turandot Suite [from Turandot, prinzessin von China Acts II and III] (1950-51) arr MacDonald 1975 27 May 1995 first performance St James’ Church, Piccadilly, London

Millennium Sinfonia, conductor James Kelleher



A view from the rostrum – James Kelleher
25/26 June 2009 recording 2009 – Havergal Brian: Orchestral Music, Volume Two – Toccata Classics City Halls, Glasgow

BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra, conductor Garry Walker