When English composer Havergal Brian is remembered at all these days, it is for his 32 symphonies, gnarly, gnomic, and enigmatic works that have remained resolutely well outside the standard repertoire. He is not remembered for his songs. Although he wrote perhaps 65 songs and some of them even got performed by such A-list singers as
John McCormack, most fell into obscurity along with the composer. Nor is he remembered for his chamber music. Although he wrote only four works in the genre, three of them are lost and one remained unperformed until after his death. For Brian aficionados, therefore, this disc of 17 songs plus the Legend for violin and piano will chart essentially new musical territory, therefore making it mandatory listening. Coming from before the long line of symphonies, the songs are musically simple and emotionally direct -- and thus entirely unlike the symphonies. Baritone
Brian Rayner Cook is a vigorous and enthusiastic singer who does everything he can with the sometimes ungainly melodies to make them sound persuasive while pianist Roger Vignoles is a hale and hearty accompanist who does everything he can with the often gauche piano writing to make the music seem palatable. Likewise, violinist Stephen Levine and pianist
Peter Lawson are both dedicated instrumentalists who put forth all their talents to make the Legend cohere musically. Whether they succeed or fail is up to the listener. For some, the only reason this disc is not entirely unlistenable is the quality of the performances -- the music itself may appear hopelessly amateurish. For others, the music, although odd and perhaps even eccentric, is nevertheless still somehow compelling. Toccata Classics' remastering of the early '80s originals is too close, too loud, and too vivid.