Havergal Brian (1876–1972) was a prolific British composer whose long lifespan and extensive output spanned from the late Victorian era into the twentieth century. Born William Havergal Brian in Stoke-on-Trent, he was largely self-taught as a musician and faced many obstacles in pursuit of artistic recognition, often due to the avant-garde nature of his work and his outsider status within the musical establishment. Despite these challenges, he composed a vast array of music, including 32 symphonies, several operas, and numerous works across various other forms such as songs, chamber pieces, and choral works.

Brian’s musical style is unique and often characterized by complexity, dense orchestration, and an apparent preference for grandiose scales; his Symphony No. 1, the colossal "Gothic Symphony," requires the largest orchestral forces of any symphony composed to date. Although Brian gained some advocacy and attention during his lifetime, especially in his later years, it was only posthumously that his work began to be more extensively recorded and appreciated. Noteworthy among his discography are "Havergal Brian: Symphonies Nos. 8, 9, 22 & 24," and "Havergal Brian: Symphonies 3 & 17," showcasing his evolution as a symphonist. Brian's oeuvre remains a point of interest for those who explore the byways of British classical music, with a growing reputation as a composer of idiosyncratic and visionary work.

Genres

British Modern Classical

Early Modern Classical

Latest Release

Brian: The Cenci (Live)

Havergal Brian

Album - 9 Tracks - Released May 3, 2024