Immerse yourself in the profound and dramatic world of Havergal Brian with his compelling album "Brian: Agamemnon & Symphonies Nos. 6 & 12." This captivating release, set to debut on March 28, 2025, under the prestigious Hyperion label, offers a rich tapestry of orchestral and choral masterpieces that showcase Brian's extraordinary compositional prowess.
The album features the English National Opera Orchestra and Chorus, conducted by the esteemed Martyn Brabbins, delivering a powerful performance that brings Brian's vision to life. The centerpiece of the album is the opera "Agamemnon," a gripping retelling of the ancient Greek tragedy, interspersed with choral and solo performances that evoke the raw emotion and tension of the story. The opera is complemented by two of Brian's symphonies, No. 6 "Sinfonia Tragica" and No. 12, both composed within a remarkable four-month period. These symphonies are noted for their depth and complexity, offering a prelude to the opera and adding layers of musical richness to the album.
With a total runtime of 1 hour and 7 minutes, this album is a testament to Brian's ability to blend orchestral grandeur with choral brilliance. The collaboration with the English National Opera Orchestra and Chorus, along with the direction of Martyn Brabbins, ensures a performance that is both authentic and emotionally resonant. Whether you are a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a newcomer to Brian's work, this album promises an unforgettable listening experience. Dive into the world of Havergal Brian and discover the timeless beauty of his compositions.
Symphony No. 6 "Sinfonia Tragica": I. Allegro ma non troppoHavergal Brian, English National Opera Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Symphony No. 6 "Sinfonia Tragica": II. Lento –Havergal Brian, English National Opera Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Symphony No. 6 "Sinfonia Tragica": III. Lento solenne –Havergal Brian, English National Opera Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Symphony No. 6 "Sinfonia Tragica": IV. Lontano – Allegro vivaceHavergal Brian, English National Opera Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Symphony No. 12: I. Adagio –Havergal Brian, English National Opera Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Symphony No. 12: II. A tempo marcia lento –Havergal Brian, English National Opera Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Symphony No. 12: III. Adagio espressivo –Havergal Brian, English National Opera Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Symphony No. 12: IV. Allegro vivoHavergal Brian, English National Opera Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Agamemnon: I. I Pray the Gods a Respite from These Toils (Watchman) –Havergal Brian, Robert Murray, English National Opera Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Agamemnon: II. Look! What Is It? (Chorus)Havergal Brian, English National Opera Chorus, English National Opera Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Agamemnon: III. Soon We Shall Know (Clytemnestra)Havergal Brian, Eleanor Dennis, English National Opera Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Agamemnon: IV. Hail, Argive Land! (Herald, Chorus) –Havergal Brian, Clive Bayley, English National Opera Chorus, English National Opera Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Agamemnon: V. What a Dreadful Tale! (Chorus)Havergal Brian, English National Opera Chorus, English National Opera Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Agamemnon: VI. First, Argos Hail (Agamemnon) –Havergal Brian, John Findon, English National Opera Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Agamemnon: VII. Men! Citizens! (Clytemnestra, Agamemnon) –Havergal Brian, Eleanor Dennis, John Findon, English National Opera Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Agamemnon: VIII. Whence these shapes of fear that haunt me? (Chorus)Havergal Brian, English National Opera Chorus, English National Opera Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Agamemnon: IX. Come Thou, Too, In (Clytemnestra, Old Man)Havergal Brian, Eleanor Dennis, Clive Bayley, English National Opera Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Agamemnon: X. Ha! The House of the Atridae! (Cassandra, Old Man) –Havergal Brian, Stephanie Wake-Edwards, Clive Bayley, English National Opera Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Agamemnon: XI. O I Am Struck! Struck with a Mortal Blow! (Agamemnon, Clytemnestra, Old Man, Chorus)Havergal Brian, John Findon, Eleanor Dennis, Clive Bayley, English National Opera Chorus, English National Opera Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins
Agamemnon: XII. Time Shall Come, Avenging Time (Clytemnestra, Chorus)Havergal Brian, Eleanor Dennis, English National Opera Chorus, English National Opera Orchestra, Martyn Brabbins