For its 150th anniversary, Havergal Brian's Gothic Symphony has been re-examined by Danish conductor Ole Schmidt in a live BBC broadcast from the Royal Albert Hall. The work, written over eight years and completed in 1927, is an eclectic mix of melodies and polyphonic complexities, drawing inspiration from the grandeur and eccentricity of the gothic era.
Schmidt's approach to the 35-minute first part, comprising three distinct movements, is notable for its persuasiveness. However, it is the second half, which clocks in at over an hour, that truly demands listener attention. The Te Deum movement, with its intricate influences from Bruckner, Berlioz, and Sibelius, showcases Schmidt's command of the score.
The conductor skillfully coaxes a grand sound from his 158-strong orchestra and a chorus of 560 singers, punctuated by solo quartets and soaring soprano performances. While some listeners may find the sound occasionally congested, Schmidt's inventive choices make this recording a compelling alternative to Ondrej Lenárd's Slovak account.
Schmidt successfully navigates the work's complexities, bringing out fresh nuances that reveal Brian's original intent. The fine balance he strikes between clarity and density results in an immersive listening experience that sheds new light on this significant piece of 20th-century British music.
Schmidt's approach to the 35-minute first part, comprising three distinct movements, is notable for its persuasiveness. However, it is the second half, which clocks in at over an hour, that truly demands listener attention. The Te Deum movement, with its intricate influences from Bruckner, Berlioz, and Sibelius, showcases Schmidt's command of the score.
The conductor skillfully coaxes a grand sound from his 158-strong orchestra and a chorus of 560 singers, punctuated by solo quartets and soaring soprano performances. While some listeners may find the sound occasionally congested, Schmidt's inventive choices make this recording a compelling alternative to Ondrej Lenárd's Slovak account.
Schmidt successfully navigates the work's complexities, bringing out fresh nuances that reveal Brian's original intent. The fine balance he strikes between clarity and density results in an immersive listening experience that sheds new light on this significant piece of 20th-century British music.
! It was like nothing I've ever heard before, all those different melodies and complex harmonies blending together in perfect chaos 
. The Te Deum movement is insane! Schmidt really knows how to get the best out of the orchestra and choir – it's like they're singing directly to your soul 
. And yeah, some parts can be a bit overwhelming, but that's part of what makes it so epic 
. I'm definitely going to explore more of Brian's music now...
. It's clear he poured his heart and soul into this performance. I loved how he balanced all those intricate melodies and polyphonic complexities - it was like a masterclass in orchestration! The Te Deum movement was especially stunning, with all those influences from Bruckner to Sibelius. Can't believe I'd never listened to Brian's symphony before... definitely adding this to my bucket list 
just listened to the live BBC broadcast of Havergal Brian's Gothic Symphony with conductor Ole Schmidt at the Royal Albert Hall 
and I'm absolutely blown away! The way he brings out the intricate complexities in the score is truly masterful 
. I'm not sure if some listeners might find it a bit congested at times 
, but for me, the inventive choices made by Schmidt made all the difference 
. It's like hearing this piece of music for the first time again, full of fresh nuances that reveal Brian's original intent 
. Definitely worth checking out! 
. I love how the conductor brings out all these new nuances in Brian's original work that you wouldn't catch with just any old recording 
. Definitely worth checking out if you're into classical music! 
. I loved how he brought out all these hidden nuances in the music that you wouldn't even notice if someone else was playing it. And that Te Deum movement? 
Mind blown! It's crazy to think this symphony is over 150 years old, but Schmidt really made it feel fresh and exciting again. Can we get more classical music like this on BBC tho? 