Berkeley: Stabat Mater, Batter My Heart & Magnificat

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the profound and evocative world of Lennox Berkeley's sacred choral works with this captivating album, released by Lyrita in 2016. This collection showcases Berkeley's mastery of chamber music, featuring three of his most renowned compositions: the "Stabat Mater, Op. 28," the powerful "Batter My Heart, Three Person'd God, Op. 60," and the resplendent "Magnificat, Op. 71."

The "Stabat Mater" is a poignant and reflective piece, performed live by a stellar ensemble including sopranos Mary Thomas and Barbara Elsey. This work, a meditation on the sorrow of the Virgin Mary, is a testament to Berkeley's ability to convey deep spiritual and human experiences through music. The live performances capture the raw and intimate essence of these pieces, making for a deeply moving listening experience.

"Batter My Heart, Three Person'd God" is a dramatic and impassioned setting of John Donne's sonnet, showcasing Berkeley's skill in blending text and music to create a powerful narrative. This work is a standout piece, demonstrating Berkeley's versatility and his ability to handle both sacred and secular themes with equal finesse.

The "Magnificat, Op. 71" is a joyous and uplifting work, celebrating the virtues of the Virgin Mary. The live performance of this piece is particularly noteworthy, with the ensemble's precise and expressive playing bringing out the full richness and depth of Berkeley's composition.

This album is a treasure trove for fans of choral music and those seeking to explore the works of Lennox Berkeley. With a total duration of 1 hour and 12 minutes, it offers a comprehensive and enriching journey through some of Berkeley's most significant and beautiful compositions. The high-quality recordings, available in Hi-Res, ensure that every nuance and detail of the performances is captured, providing an immersive and authentic listening experience.

9 september 2016

2016 Lyrita

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.