This is Dutton Epoch’s first modern Havergal Brian programme, recorded by the brilliant Royal Scottish National Orchestra and conducted with sympathy and powerful projection by Martyn Brabbins.

The large array of percussion in Symphony No.10 is caught in demonstration-worthy sound, as are the mighty climaxes and Brian’s quiet, atmospheric Sibelian interludes. In contrast, the gentler textures of Brian’s delightfully tuneful English Suite No.3, heard here on CD for the first time, are sympathetically conveyed in a rewarding acoustic. This is involving music on a large scale, which addresses a far wider audience than many more specialist Brian programmes.

The two complete discoveries are the dramatic Thirtieth Symphony and the brilliant Concerto for Orchestra. Both are well worth investigation, and the performances by the Royal Scottish National Orchestra under Brabbins place them memorably in Brian’s still emerging achievement of his time.

This is a CD for all music lovers who respond to powerful orchestral scores in a tonal but individual idiom.

World premiere recordings, except for Symphony No.10.

Recorded at RSNO Centre, Henry Wood Hall, Glasgow, 15-16 September 2010.