Ray Stamford ([log in to unmask]) wrote: >I am writing this having just listened to the 5th Symphony (RPO - Handley) >and can't make up my mind about this dramatic, almost sub-Mahlerian 'film' >music which would have done something along the lines of 'War and Peace' >or 'Ivan the Terrible' proud. It's either brilliant or IMHO, as a lot of >music in this genre, a bit of a curate's egg. I would also be interested >in how the style compares to that of Havergal Brian who, I think, dedicated >one on his later symphonies to Simpson. I bet there are some experts out >there who could give a considered opinion. I don't know enough of Brian's enormous output to consider myself an export, but I wouldn't have said there was that much similarity between the two. Simpson admired Brian and during his time with the BBC made considerable efforts on Brian's behalf and played a significant role in what Brian revival there has been. I suspect this was the reason for the dedication. Deryk Barker [log in to unmask]