James Kelleher - Havergal Brian:Cenci - Import 2 CD

Credits:

James Kelleher

Description:

English composer Havergal Bryan is best known for his Symphony No. 1, "Gothic," which takes 100 minutes to perform. During his lifetime, he composed more than 30 symphonies, as well as orchestral works and operas, but these have been largely neglected, and it was not until 1961, when the aforementioned work was performed, that they finally became known. This "Cenci" is his third opera, composed between 1951 and 1952. It consists of eight scenes based on the tragedy "The Cenci Family" by the English poet Percy Shelley, for which Bryan himself wrote the libretto. The story centers on the conflict between Beatrice, a daughter who stands up for her beliefs, and her father, the Count, who acts according to his desires. The result is more like a musical drama like Stravinsky's "Oedipus the King". This album contains a concert performance given in 1997 to commemorate the 25th anniversary of the composer's death.According to the label, this was the first performance. This is the first performance of this work by a group of musicians who share a special sympathy for this composer. Naxos Japan