Brian: Symphony No. 1 'The Gothic'

In July 2011, over 800 performers gathered in London s Royal Albert Hall to give a rare performance of Havergal Brian s Symphony No.1 in D minor 'The Gothic'. Although tickets for this Prom sold out within 24 hours, we are fortunate that Hyperion recorded the performance, making it available to all. The symphony is a phenomenal work. Responding to the challenge set by Sir Henry Wood, the composer has thrown just about every known orchestral instrument into the mix, then adding a double chorus of over 500, plus children s choirs, for an hour-long Te Deum that makes up the symphony s finale. Martyn Brabbins leads these massive forces in a benchmark performance. Whether or not you were lucky enough to be there on the night, this is a recording not to be missed.