We demonstrate the efficient generation of first Stokes Raman radiation using a Brillouin resonator coupled with a Raman half-resonator. A Raman laser at the eye-safe wavelength of 1.575 mu m in high-pressure CH4 gas was generated from a passively Q-switched Nd:YAP laser. Raman conversion efficiencies of as much as 55% were obtained at a pressure of 800 psi. (C) 1997 Optical Society of America.