HAVERGAL BRIAN (1876-1972): Symphony No. 6 "Sinfonia Tragica", Symphony No. 16 (rec. April 1973), ARNOLD COOKE (1906-2005): Symphony No. 3 in D (rec. Jan. 1974). London Philharmonic Orchestra; Myer Fredman, Nicholas Braithwaite (Cooke).

Description: One of the most impatiently awaited reissues in this series finally arrives in the U.S.! The Sixth was the first work of Brian's 'late period', composed after a lengthy hiatus in his output, and after he had passed his 70th year. The music is noticeable leaner, sparer and more economical than his huge early symphonies, though it retains a good deal of their grandeur and sense of inexorable progression. Originally intended as a prelude to an opera on Synge's tragedy 'Deirdre of the Sorrows' yet truly symphonic in form, the work has a strong narrative thread, contrasting elements of despair, belligerent aggression and tragic lyricism. No. 16 is a characteristically tough single-movement structure, teeming with contrasting material of granitic strength, as well as intricacy of texture. Cooke's symphony dates from 1967 and his Hindemithian economy, clarity and objectivity is even more obvious here (especially in the brass theme which opens the final movement) than in the earlier first symphony which Lyrita issued for the first time a year ago this month (07J063) Original 1975 LP release.