Experience the wit and charm of Lennox Berkeley's delightful one-act opera, "A Dinner Engagement," presented in a captivating 2004 recording by Chandos. This enchanting work, composed in 1954, is a testament to Berkeley's mastery of chamber music and his knack for creating engaging, humorous narratives.
"A Dinner Engagement" is a comic opera in two scenes, set to a libretto by Paul Dehn. The story unfolds with a delightful cast of characters, including Lord and Lady Dunmow, their daughter Susan, and a host of unexpected guests. The opera is scored for a small ensemble of two sopranos, an alto, two tenors, a baritone, and an orchestra, allowing each voice to shine and the music to sparkle.
The opera begins with a dinner engagement gone awry, as the Dunmows find themselves hosting a series of uninvited guests. The music is elegantly composed, with Berkeley's signature urbane charm and wit on full display. The performance is full of characterful flavor, with each singer bringing their unique voice to the stage. The opera's humor and charm are sure to delight audiences, making it a standout work in Berkeley's repertoire.
This recording, released in June 2004, is a landmark among Lennox Berkeley recordings, marking the premiere recording of this delightful opera. The performance is accompanied by informative liner notes in English, German, and French, providing context and insight into the opera's creation and performance. Whether you're a longtime fan of Lennox Berkeley or a newcomer to his music, "A Dinner Engagement" is sure to captivate and entertain.
2004 Chandos Records2004 Chandos Records
Tracks
A Dinner Engagement, Op. 45, Scene 1: Salt, pepper, olive oil (Lord Dunmow, Lady Dunmow, Boy)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Roderick Williams, Yvonne Kenny, Blake Fischer
A Dinner Engagement, Op. 45, Scene 1: I'm sorry, Milady, I came through the front door (Mrs. Kneebone, Lady Dunmow, Lord Dunmow)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Roderick Williams, Yvonne Kenny, Jean Rigby
A Dinner Engagement, Op. 45, Scene 1: In the summer of my time (Lord Dunmow, Lady Dunmow, Mrs. Kneebone)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Roderick Williams, Yvonne Kenny, Jean Rigby
A Dinner Engagement, Op. 45, Scene 1: At Missis Ellibank's in Wimbledon (Mrs. Kneebone, Lady Dunmow, Lord Dunmow)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Roderick Williams, Yvonne Kenny, Jean Rigby
A Dinner Engagement, Op. 45, Scene 1: Mother, please can I help? (Susan, Lady Dunmow, Mrs. Kneebone, Lord Dunmow)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Roderick Williams, Yvonne Kenny, Jean Rigby, Claire Rutter
A Dinner Engagement, Op. 45, Scene 1: He was a quiet little boy (Lady Dunmow, Susan, Mrs. Kneebone, Lord Dunmow)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Roderick Williams, Yvonne Kenny, Jean Rigby, Claire Rutter
A Dinner Engagement, Op. 45, Scene 1: Prenez 6 belles tomates (Lady Dunmow, Lord Dunmow, Mrs. Kneebone, Susan)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Roderick Williams, Yvonne Kenny, Jean Rigby, Claire Rutter
A Dinner Engagement, Op. 45, Scene 1: Is this the residence of the Earl and Countess of Dunmow? (Prince Philippe, Mrs. Kneebone)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Jean Rigby, Robin Leggate
A Dinner Engagement, Op. 45, Scene 2: So this, dear Lady Dunmow, is your drawing room (Duchess, Lady Dunmow, Prince Philippe, LordLennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Roderick Williams, Yvonne Kenny, Anne Collins, Robin Leggate
A Dinner Engagement, Op. 45, Scene 2: I never moved a muscle (Lord Dunmow, Lady Dunmow, Duchess, Prince Philippe)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Roderick Williams, Yvonne Kenny, Anne Collins, Robin Leggate
A Dinner Engagement, Op. 45, Scene 2: Forgive my curiosity, but is your servant that young girl …? (Prince Philippe, Lord Dunmow,Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Roderick Williams, Yvonne Kenny, Anne Collins, Robin Leggate
A Dinner Engagement, Op. 45, Scene 2: Come and see our little garden (Lady Dunmow, Lord Dunmow, Prince Philippe, Duchess)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Roderick Williams, Yvonne Kenny, Anne Collins, Robin Leggate
A Dinner Engagement, Op. 45, Scene 2: This way, Ma'am, through the back door (Lord Dunmow, Duchess, Prince Philippe, Susan)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Roderick Williams, Yvonne Kenny, Anne Collins, Robin Leggate, Claire Rutter
A Dinner Engagement, Op. 45, Scene 2: Oh, shall I kneel in shame … ? (Susan, Prince Philippe)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Claire Rutter, Robin Leggate
A Dinner Engagement, Op. 45, Scene 2: I like to imagine how these must have looked (Susan, Prince Philippe)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Claire Rutter, Robin Leggate
A Dinner Engagement, Op. 45, Scene 2: Mon aimee attend la lune (Prince Philippe)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Robin Leggate
A Dinner Engagement, Op. 45, Scene 2: Kiss her at once! (Duchess, Prince Philippe, Susan, Lord Dunmow, Lady Dunmow, Boy)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Roderick Williams, Yvonne Kenny, Anne Collins, Robin Leggate, Claire Rutter, Blake Fischer
A Dinner Engagement, Op. 45, Scene 2: Let her beauty be her dowry (Duchess, Susan, Prince Philippe, Lord Dunmow, Lady Dunmow, Boy,Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Roderick Williams, Yvonne Kenny, Anne Collins, Robin Leggate, Claire Rutter, Blake Fischer
A Dinner Engagement, Op. 45, Scene 2: My Lords, Ladies, Duchess and gentlemen! (Mrs. Kneebone, Prince Philippe, Susan)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Jean Rigby, Claire Rutter, Robin Leggate
Sir Lennox Berkeley, born into an aristocratic family in Oxford in 1903, stands as a distinguished figure in the realm of British music. His journey as a composer began at Oxford, where he studied foreign languages and crossed paths with the renowned Maurice Ravel. Ravel's encouragement led Berkeley to Paris, where he apprenticed under the esteemed Nadia Boulanger from 1927 to 1932. During this formative period, Berkeley befriended notable composers such as Francis Poulenc, Igor Stravinsky, and Darius Milhaud, influences that would shape his unique musical voice.
Berkeley's compositions, marked by light textures and piquant harmonies, span a wide range of genres, including operas, symphonies, chamber music, and songs. His neoclassical and serial styles reflect his deep connection to both British and French musical traditions. Among his notable works are "A Dinner Engagement," an opera that showcases his dramatic flair, and "Theme and Variations," a piece that has been performed at prestigious venues like the Wigmore Hall.
Beyond his musical achievements, Berkeley's personal life was equally intriguing. He converted to Roman Catholicism in 1929, a faith that would deeply influence his artistic output. His unconventional marriage and his connections with literary figures like W.H. Auden and musical luminaries such as Benjamin Britten and Peter Pears further enrich his legacy.
Berkeley's contributions to music were recognized with the title of Commander of the Order of the British Empire (CBE), and his works continue to be celebrated for their innovation and emotional depth. His diaries and writings offer a fascinating glimpse into the mind of a composer who bridged the gap between British and French musical traditions, leaving behind a rich tapestry of compositions that continue to inspire and captivate audiences.
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Berkeley: A Dinner Engagement - Lennox Berkeley - Vinyl LP
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