On 17 July 2011, over 800performers gathered inLondon’s Royal AlbertHall to give a rare performanceof Havergal Brian’sSymphony No 1 in Dminor – The Gothic. And thanks to theforesight of Hyperion Records, those whocouldn’t attend are able to enjoy a stunningperformance of one of the great works fromthe symphonic repertoire. This newrecording is definitely the best; I imagine itwill be the benchmark for all futurerecordings and performances. MartynBrabbins does an extraordinary jobbringing this work to life, but his contributionis a result of the wonderful performancesfrom the orchestras and chorusesinvolved. At around 106 minutes, it’s notfor the faint-hearted. But if you are willingto take the chance, then you will rewardedmany times over. Superb.

Phil Richards is from Readings Carlton