Havergal Brian's later symphonies, from No. 8 onwards, are much terser in expression, rarely lasting longer than 25 minutes, a contrast to his earlier, more expansive works.
Composition History
Havergal Brian completed his Sinfonia Tragica as a standalone symphonic work after being refused copyright permission for Synge's Deirdre of the Sorrows, as rights had already been granted to Karl Rankl.
Composition History
Havergal Brian's Sinfonia Tragica was originally conceived as a prelude to an opera based on J.M. Synge's tragedy Deirdre of the Sorrows.
Composer's Artistic Vision
Arnold Cooke, a composer on this album, shared many attitudes with Paul Hindemith, valuing economy and clarity in music over grand displays of theatrical emotion.
Recording & Production
Both Havergal Brian's and Arnold Cooke's works on this album were recorded at Walthamstow Assembly Hall in London, in 1973 and 1974 respectively.
Composer Biography
Havergal Brian, born to working-class parents in the Staffordshire Potteries, left school at 12 and was largely self-taught in composition.
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