During the remarkable and prolific period between his 72nd and 92nd birthdays, Havergal Brian wrote no fewer than 27 symphonies. Some seem to fall into groups, such as Nos. 22-24, all written within a nine-month period between 1964 and 1965. They all share a concern for march-rhythms, changeable moods and developing variation. No. 22 is Brian's shortest symphony and exemplifies his art in it's most compressed, nocturnal form, whereas No. 23 offers a more extrovertly scored and expansive scale. No. 24 provides the triumphant rejoicing that ends the trilogy. Influenced by Tchaikovsky, the 1906 English Suite No. 1 nevertheless hints at Brian's sonic experiments to come.

Tracklist:

Symphony No. 22, "Symphonia Brevis": I. Maestoso E Ritmico
Symphony No. 22, "Symphonia Brevis": II. Tempo Di Marcia E Ritmico
Symphony No. 23: I. Moderato
Symphony No. 23: II. Adagio Non Troppo Ma Pesante
Symphony No. 24 In D Major
English Suite No. 1, Op. 12: I. Characteristic March
English Suite No. 1, Op. 12: II. Valse
English Suite No. 1, Op. 12: III. Under The Bench Tree
English Suite No. 1, Op. 12: IV. Interlude
English Suite No. 1, Op. 12: V. Hymn
English Suite No. 1, Op. 12: VI. Carnival

UPC: 747313283378
Label: Naxos
Release Date: 5.28.13
Format: CD

Alexander Walker - Symphonies Nos. 22-24 / English Suite No. 1 (CD)