JANUARY 2026
AVAILABLE FOR PRE-ORDER
Havergal Brian: Symphony No. 1 ‘The Gothic’
£20.00
London Symphony Orchestra; Ole Schmidt
Jane Manning (soprano), Shirley Minty (alto), John Mitchinson (tenor), David Thomas (bass)
London Symphony Chorus, London Philharmonic Choir, BBC Symphony Chorus, BBC Singers, BBC Club Choir, Hampstead Choral Society, Bach Choir, English Chamber Choir, Royal Choral Society, Highgate Choral Society, Goldsmith’s Choral Union, Orpheus Girls’ Choir, Colfe’s School Choir
HTGCD 124 – 5060332663156
2 CDs
Product information:
Heritage marks the 150th anniversary of the birth of Havergal Brian with its latest release.
Brian’s legendary ‘Gothic’ symphony was composed over a period of eight years in 1927. His vision was to encapsulate the splendour of the Gothic age in music of extraordinarily diverse styles, hinting at plainsong chant at one extreme to almost operatic declamation at the other.
A total of some 718 performers including an orchestra of 158 players participated in this performance from the Royal Albert Hall, given in May 1980. Broadcast live by the BBC, Danish conductor Ole Schmidt and his forces generated an epic sweep of sound over a period of an hour and three-quarters.
The broadcast has been sensitively re-mastered for its first CD release and extensive notes are provided by John Pickard.
Reviews
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‘A 1980 live recording reveals the Danish conductor’s assured handling of a colossal symphony – a balance of architectural clarity and gothic extravagance……….. Schmidt marshals his 158 orchestral players and 560-strong chorus with a ringmaster’s assurance, the solo quartet crowned by the late Jane Manning’s soaring soprano. Like Martyn Brabbins, who remains supreme in this work, he actually manages to “do” something with the piece, rather than merely keep matters under control. Sound is occasionally congested, but the conductor’s stimulating choices make this a fine alternative to Ondrej Lenárd’s Slovak account. John Pickard’s sleeve notes are illuminating.’ Clive Paget, The Guardian January 2026
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‘Pitched between Adrian Boult’s tensile cohesion or Martyn Brabbins’s emotional immediacy, both likewise recorded at the Royal Albert Hall, Schmidt’s is rarely other than engrossing and benefits from Heritage’s thorough sonic refurbishment. John Pickard is enlightening about the music, as is the Havergal Brian Society about a performance that came perilously close not to happening. Over 45 years on, it remains an interpretative touchstone for this singular work.’ Richard Whitehouse, Gramophone February 2026
Gramophone Magazine: February 2026 Reissue/Archive Issue of the Month