Orchestra of English National Opera
Chorus of English National Opera
cond. Martyn Brabbins

Peter Hoare tenor (Faust)
David Soar bass-baritone (Mephistopheles)
Allison Cook soprano (Gretchen)
William Morgan tenor (Raphael)
Robert Hayward bass (Gabriel)
Elgan Llyr Thomas tenor (Michael)
Simon Bailey bass (Der Herr [God], Bösergeist [Evil Spirit])
David Ireland bass (Erdgeist [Earth Spirit])
Katie Coventry mezzo-soprano (Schüler [Student])
Nicholas Lester baritone (Valentin)
Clare Presland mezzo-soprano (Marthe)
Claire Mitcher soprano (Stimme [Voice])
Iain Farrington (organ)

Producer: Alexander Van Ingen
Engineer: Mike Dutton
assistant: Dexter Neumann
Editor: Jennifer Howells
Mix & Master: Mike Dutton

“in Brabbins’s expert hands the textures are laid out with remarkable clarity… Brianophiles need not hesitate… with such a splendidly realised performance, lovers of British opera will hopefully be won over to a unique and hitherto unheard operatic voice.” [Gramophone Magazine]

“…a major achievement, and both Dutton and the performers, notably Martyn Brabbins – a loyal Brian champion, here conducting his own ENO forces – have put listeners in their debt. Their recording demands attention...” [5*, BBC Music Magazine]

“Few words are needed for what is a magnificent release… Brian writes music that on its own terms is compelling, full of character, suggestion and atmosphere: thrilling and beautifully expressive, imaginative and colourful. Thanks to Dutton’s handsome presentation… all that is needed for comprehensive appreciation of this tremendous discovery is supplied… the sound is vivid, dynamic, impactful and crystal-clear. What is even more remarkable is the exceptional performance: the music leaps off the page… each of the singers is fully immersed in their respective roles, their interactions are made significant, and the ENO choral and orchestral forces are at the top of their game. In short, this release is musically marvellous, performed heroically, and is beyond reproach presentationally.” [Colin’s Column, Outstanding]

“Faust has been waited for by Brian admirers for decades. It appears in a truly splendid realisation from the forces of English National Opera with first class soloists led by Peter Hoare’s visceral, sardonic Faust, David Soar’s menacing Mephistopheles and Allison Cook’s assumption of the role of multi-variegated Gretchen… Presiding over the enterprise is ENO’s opera director Martyn Brabbins, directing with huge authority and recorded with clarity in SACD in Abbey Road. No one who admires Brian will want to spurn listening to this.” [MusicWeb International”