Havergal Brian

British classical composer

Havergal Brian (born William Brian; 29 January 1876 – 28 November 1972) was an English composer. He is best known for having composed 32 symphonies (an unusually high total for a 20th-century composer), most of them late in his life.

His best-known work is his Symphony No. 1, The Gothic, which calls for some of the largest orchestral forces demanded by a conventionally structured concert work.

He also composed five operas and a number of other orchestral works, as well as songs, choral music and a small amount of chamber music.

Brian enjoyed a period of popularity earlier in his career and rediscovery in the 1950s, but public performances of his music have remained rare and he has been described as a cult composer.

He continued to be extremely productive late into his career, composing large works even into his nineties, most of which remained unperformed during his lifetime.