Customer Reviews

Havergal Brian: Symphonies Nos. 6 & 16; Arnold Cooke: Symphony No. 3

5 star:		(1)
4 star:		(0)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

Mr Weber's response is subjective, which is fair enough, but don't be put off. Brian's music is quirky and individual- and he was, after all, a 20th century composer. If you're looking for easy melody go back to Mozart, Grieg, Dvorak... the list is endless. However, if your ears are open to other musical worlds, these two Brian symphonies- yes, the 16th as well- are fascinating: full of textural interest, tonally based (though at times it is a complex tonality) and brilliantly performed and recorded. Brian's structural process is also distinctive, using contrast rather than sustained development. This may seem like "rambling" initially but in terms of the big picture it works. Cooke's 3rd symphony is fine but derivative, mainly of Hindemith. While enjoyable, it is a minor work in comparison to Brian's uniquely original approach to the symphony.

I took a chance on this CD after the American Record Guide raved about it, but I am less impressed. Brian's 6th symphony is an interesting piece with a modern sound world and some melodies along the way. It has some appealing moments. Too bad symphony 16, written many years later, is a big disappointment. Symphony 16 is mostly atonal, noisy, rambling and offers little that I would return to. Cooke symphony 3 is a refreshing change back to well written, melodic music. I like the Cooke, so I'll keep this CD for Brian 6 and Cooke 3. Forget symphony 16. Very good playing and sound.