Gothic Symphony

work by Brian

Written by

The Information Architects of Encyclopaedia Britannica

Last updated

June 29, 2026

Quick Summary

The "Gothic Symphony" is a monumental work by the English composer Havergal Brian. Composed between 1919 and 1927, it is one of his most famous pieces. The symphony is known for its immense scale, requiring an orchestra of 200 performers and a choir of 400 to 600 voices for its first performance in 1961. Brian, a self-taught musician, wrote over 100 songs and numerous orchestral works throughout his career, with a significant surge in output in his later years. The term "Gothic" in this context refers to a style that is medieval, grand, and potentially imposing, aligning with the symphony's vast scope and ambition.12

Summary created from Britannica articles using AI. AI can make mistakes, so verify using Britannica articles.

2 Britannica Sources

Ask Britannica AI about this topic

Britannica doesn't have a full article on this topic, so we've curated a list of our relevant coverage.

Havergal Brian
His most famous work, Gothic Symphony (1919–27; first performance 1961), requires an orchestra of 200 performers and choirs of 400 to 600. Between 1959 and 1968—i.e., between the ages of 83 and 92—Brian wrote 20 more symphonies, bringing the total to 33.
Read More
His most famous work, Gothic Symphony (1919–27; first performance 1961), requires an orchestra of 200 performers and choirs of 400 to 600. Between 1959 and 1968—i.e., between the ages of 83 and 92—Brian wrote 20 more symphonies, bringing the total to 33.
Read More