Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Lennox Berkeley's "Ruth," a captivating chamber music album released on April 1, 2005, under the esteemed Chandos label. This one-hour-and-eighteen-minute journey is a musical retelling of the biblical story of Ruth, composed with Berkeley's signature elegance and depth.
The album is divided into three scenes, each brimming with vivid storytelling and emotional resonance. From the poignant exchanges between Naomi, Ruth, and Orpah in Scene 1, to the lively harvest scenes and interactions between Ruth and Boaz in Scene 2, and the tender, climactic moments in Scene 3, Berkeley's composition is a masterclass in musical narrative.
Featuring a talented ensemble, the album showcases Berkeley's ability to blend orchestral and choral elements seamlessly, creating a soundscape that is both intimate and grand. The genres of chamber music are explored with a sophistication that highlights Berkeley's versatility and mastery.
"Ruth" is not just an album; it's an experience that invites you to delve into the timeless story of love, loyalty, and redemption. Whether you're a longtime fan of Lennox Berkeley or new to his work, this album is a testament to his enduring legacy in the world of classical music.
2005 Chandos Records2005 Chandos Records
Tracks
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 1: A Mountainous Place Near BethlehemLennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 1: Once More I See Your Green and Golden Hills, O Judah! (Naomi, Ruth, Orpah)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Jean Rigby, Yvonne Kenny, Claire Rutter
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 1: Turn Back, My Daughters (Naomi, Ruth, Orpah)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Jean Rigby, Yvonne Kenny, Claire Rutter
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 1: Almighty Father, Let My Cry Come Unto Thee! (Naomi, Orpah, Ruth)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Jean Rigby, Yvonne Kenny, Claire Rutter
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 1: Ah, Must I Leave Thee? Must We Part? (Orpah, Naomi, Ruth)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Jean Rigby, Yvonne Kenny, Claire Rutter
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 1: Whither Thou Goest, I Will Go (Ruth, Naomi)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Jean Rigby, Yvonne Kenny
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 1: See! Is this Naomi!? (Naomi, Women)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Yvonne Kenny, Joyful Company Of Singers
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 1: Ah, Call Me Not Naomi, Let Mara Be My Name (Naomi)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Yvonne Kenny
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 1: Where, Ah, Where is Naomi? (Naomi, Ruth, Women)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Yvonne Kenny, Jean Rigby, Joyful Company Of Singers
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 2: A Harvest Field Belonging to Boaz - Gold Grows the Barley on Hillside and Valley (Men)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Joyful Company Of Singers
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 2: Greetings, Men of Judah! (Head Reaper, Women)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Roderick Williams, Joyful Company Of Singers
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 2: The Scatter'd Ear of Corn (Women, Men)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Joyful Company Of Singers
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 2: Come, Let Us Go Forth Together (Head Reaper, Ruth, Women, Men)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Jean Rigby, Roderick Williams, Joyful Company Of Singers
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 2: Stay, Men of Judah! (Boaz, Head Reaper, Ruth, Men, Women)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Jean Rigby, Roderick Williams, Mark Tucker, Joyful Company Of Singers
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 2: I Had No Wish to Anger Them (Ruth, Boaz, Head Reaper)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Jean Rigby, Roderick Williams, Mark Tucker
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 2: Ah, Let Not Anger Fill Your Eyes! (Ruth, Boaz)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Jean Rigby, Mark Tucker
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 2: Whence Cometh This to Me, That Thou Should'st Deign to Notice Me? (Ruth, Boaz)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Jean Rigby, Mark Tucker
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 2: The Scatter'd Ear of Corn (Boaz, Women, Men)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Mark Tucker, Joyful Company Of Singers
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 3: A Threshing-floor, at Night - This is the Place! Come, Daughter (Naomi, Ruth)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Jean Rigby, Yvonne Kenny
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 3: Fear Not, Beloved Ruth! (Naomi, Ruth)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Jean Rigby, Yvonne Kenny
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 3: Golden Ripe the Barley Grows (Naomi, Ruth, Head Reaper, Boaz, Women, Men)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Jean Rigby, Yvonne Kenny, Mark Tucker, Roderick Williams, Joyful Company Of Singers
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 3: Lord of the Harvest, What Are Thy Commands? (Head Reaper, Boaz, Men, Women)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Mark Tucker, Roderick Williams, Joyful Company Of Singers
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 3: Winter Time is Time to Plough, Aie, the Wind Does Bite! (Men, Women)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Joyful Company Of Singers
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 3: Across the Field the Long Slow Line of Reapers Goes a-reaping (Women)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Joyful Company Of Singers
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 3: Dance, Come Dance, Dance Within the Ring (Head Reaper, Women, Men)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Roderick Williams, Joyful Company Of Singers
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 3: O Clap Your Hands, All Ye People! (Boaz, Women, Men)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Mark Tucker, Joyful Company Of Singers
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 3: Go Now, My Daughter (Naomi, Ruth)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Jean Rigby, Yvonne Kenny
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 3: Master! (Ruth, Boaz)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Jean Rigby, Mark Tucker
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 3: Thou Comest in the Stillness of the Night (Boaz, Ruth)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Jean Rigby, Mark Tucker
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 3: Lo, My Beloved, My Soul's Delight, to Thee I Give My Hand (Boaz, Ruth)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Jean Rigby, Mark Tucker
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 3: Ho There, My People! (Boaz, Ruth, Naomi, Women, Men)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Jean Rigby, Mark Tucker, Yvonne Kenny, Joyful Company Of Singers
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 3: Behold This Maid (Boaz, Ruth, Naomi, Head Reaper, Women, Men)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Jean Rigby, Mark Tucker, Yvonne Kenny, Roderick Williams, Joyful Company Of Singers
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 3: Rejoice, O Israel, Rejoice (Head Reaper, Ruth, Naomi, Boaz, Women, Men)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Jean Rigby, Mark Tucker, Yvonne Kenny, Roderick Williams, Joyful Company Of Singers
Vinylscout