More world premiere symphony recordings for Havergal Brian fans! In this programme, Martyn Brabbins and the Royal Scottish National Orchestra continue their Havergal Brian series for Dutton Epoch with one of Brian's most delightful scores, Wine of Summer, the fifth symphony of 1937. The eloquent baritone soloist is Roderick Williams, the orchestral detail beautifully realised in Dutton Epoch's recording. Brian's two more powerful later symphonies, No. 19 (1961) and No. 27 (1966-67), make a striking, even heroic contrast, while the ebullient and tuneful Festal Dance of 1908 completes the programme and receives an irrepressible reading.

Festal Dance (1908)

Wine of Summer (Symphony No. 5) (1937)*
Words: Lord Alfred Douglas (1870-1945)

Symphony No. 19 in E minor (1961)*
Allegro spiritoso e con anima e leggiero
Adagio Allegretto
Con anima e giocoso

Symphony No. 27 in C minor (1966-67)*
Lento Allegro giocoso e marcato sempre Moderato
Lento ma non troppo
Allegro con anima

RW Roderick Williams (baritone)

Royal Scottish National Orchestra

Martyn Brabbins (conductor)

Includes world premiere recordings

Hybrid Disc. This SACD is compatible with all CD players.

CDLX 7314

“This disc is something special. It features some of Brian’s most attractive scores.” “The RSNO’s performances are beautifully balanced and idiomatic. Brabbins, who has become Brian’s foremost living exponent, directs with complete understanding of the idiom and the orchestra respond with élan. Roderick Williams is an ideal soloist [Wine of Summer] ... superb nuanced rendering of Brian’s notes.” “[Symphony No.27] ... flute solos, beautifully played by Katherine Bryan.” “This programme opens with the third recording of Festal Dance; fine as Leaper’s Irish account is, this newcomer is the best yet.” Guy Rickards, Gramophone, June 2015

“Martyn Brabbins and his Scottish forces pounce on every glinting detail and quirk, through flute meanderings, punctured marches and beatific visions to the xylophone’s skeleton dance.” Geoff Brown, BBC Music Magazine