HAVERGAL BRIAN (1876-1972): The Vision of Cleopatra (Claudia Boyle [soprano], Angharad Lyddon [mezzo], Claudia Huckle [contralto], Peter Auty [tenor] World Premiere Recording), Requiem for the Rose and The Hag for Chorus and Orchestra (Chorus of English National Opera), Fantastic Variations on an Old Rhyme and Overture:  For Valour (Nicholas Ansdell-Evans [organ]).

Description: A 38-minute cantata from 1907 is the major event here, setting a text nicely described in the notes as “febrile”. The music is generally exotic (Bantock is a useful reference point) and its complexity for that time was probably instrumental in its never having another performance after its premiere. Texts included. Orchestra of English National Opera; Martyn Brabbins.