The contrast between Havergal Brian's Symphony No. 4, "Das Siegeslied" (Psalm of Victory) (1932-1933) and his Symphony No. 12 (1957) is striking, insofar as the former represents the composer's tendency toward post-Romantic gigantism, while the latter is practically a suite in miniature form, reflecting the influence of modernism. This Naxos album, a reissue of a 1992 release on Marco Polo, is a good test case for listeners new to Brian's music because it points up the extremes of his musical rhetoric and is a fair overview ...
Read More
The contrast between Havergal Brian's Symphony No. 4, "Das Siegeslied" (Psalm of Victory) (1932-1933) and his Symphony No. 12 (1957) is striking, insofar as the former represents the composer's tendency toward post-Romantic gigantism, while the latter is practically a suite in miniature form, reflecting the influence of modernism. This Naxos album, a reissue of a 1992 release on Marco Polo, is a good test case for listeners new to Brian's music because it points up the extremes of his musical rhetoric and is a fair overview that doesn't hide less attractive features of his work. Yes, the Symphony No. 4 is a rather grotesque, militaristic paean to Old Testament vengeance and German bombast, and its massed choirs and enormous orchestra may bring to mind Mahler's "Symphony of a Thousand," though it has little of that work's profundity and ecstasy. Yet even though Brian extols Macht und Kraft (might and power) in this sprawling setting in German of Psalm 68 -- composed in the years that marked the...
Read Less
Choose your shipping method in Checkout. Costs may vary based on destination.
Seller's Description:
Good. This item has very light surface scratches that do not affect the use of the disc/s. This is a USED item and case may have light wear. All items unless otherwise noted will include disc, case, and artwork. Codes have been used. Other contents such as booklets may vary, please inquire for details. All items ship Monday-Friday within 2-3 business days.