Brian: Symphonies Nos. 4 and 12

Immerse yourself in the monumental works of English composer Havergal Brian with the album "Brian: Symphonies Nos. 4 and 12." Released on November 6, 1992, under the Marco-Polo label, this album showcases two of Brian's most significant symphonic compositions, spanning a remarkable 65 years of his prolific career.

The Fourth Symphony, "Das Siegeslied" (Psalm of Victory), is a grand choral symphony that sets texts from Psalm 68. Composed in 1928, it is a powerful and triumphant work that invites comparisons to Brian's monumental First Symphony. The symphony is divided into three movements, each containing multiple sections that vividly depict the text's narrative. The joint orchestral and choral forces, including an array of woodwinds and brass, create a rich and dramatic soundscape.

The Twelfth Symphony, composed in 1957, is a single-movement work that showcases Brian's later symphonic style. It is a concise yet intense piece that demonstrates the composer's continued innovation and mastery of the symphonic form.

This album offers a unique opportunity to explore the vast and diverse musical landscape of Havergal Brian, one of the most prolific and original composers of the 20th century. With a total duration of one hour, it is a compelling journey through the mind of a musical genius whose work continues to captivate and inspire.