Berkeley: Crux Fidelis / Missa Brevis / 3 Latin Motets / A Festival Anthem

Album Description

Lennox Berkeley's exquisite collection, Berkeley: Crux Fidelis / Missa Brevis / 3 Latin Motets / A Festival Anthem, is a masterful showcase of the composer's chamber music prowess. Released on 1 September 2003 under the esteemed Naxos label, this album spans 1 hour and 15 minutes, taking listeners on a journey through a diverse range of sacred and choral works.

The album features a stunning array of pieces, including the poignant 'Crux Fidelis', the beautifully crafted 'Missa Brevis', and the sublime '3 Latin Motets'. Berkeley's mastery of vocal writing is evident in the soaring 'Magnificat' and 'Nunc dimittis', while the 'Mass' showcases his ability to craft intricate, interweaving lines. The album also includes the touching 'The Lord Is My Shepherd' and the joyful 'A Festival Anthem', demonstrating Berkeley's remarkable range and depth.

With its rich, nuanced soundscapes and impeccable craftsmanship, this album is a must-listen for fans of chamber music and choral works. Lennox Berkeley's unique voice and style shine throughout, making this collection a testament to his enduring legacy as a composer. Through the careful selection and presentation of these works, Naxos has created an album that is at once a tribute to Berkeley's artistry and a thrilling exploration of the chamber music genre.

1 sep 2003

2003 Naxos

About Lennox Berkeley

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.