Adrian Leaper, the conductor on this album, began his conducting career in 1986 as assistant conductor to the Hallé Orchestra and has since conducted many major orchestras worldwide.
Notable Performances
Brian's Fourth Symphony, 'Das Siegeslied' (Psalm of Victory), remained unplayed for 34 years after its composition, with its world premiere occurring in a 1967 BBC broadcast.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Brian's Fourth Symphony, 'Das Siegeslied' (Psalm of Victory), creates a multiple perspective, functioning as a celebratory psalm setting, an apocalyptic denunciation of state militarism, and a call to fight dark forces.
Compositional Technique
To realize his vision for 'Das Siegeslied' (Psalm of Victory), Brian used a massive orchestra, including unusual woodwind instruments, a large brass and percussion section, and an extensive organ role.
Composer Biography
Havergal Brian, the composer, was not conventionally religious but was deeply moved by Judaeo-Christian texts that he felt expressed archetypal human truths.
Historical Context
Brian composed 'Das Siegeslied' (Psalm of Victory) during the rise of Nazism in Germany, and the symphony's 'grim, barbaric splendour' reflects his awareness of the nation's direction.
Composition History
Brian's Fourth Symphony, 'Das Siegeslied' (Psalm of Victory), is based on Psalm 68, a text also favored by Oliver Cromwell, one of Brian's early heroes.
