Rutland Boughton's 'Boughton: Bethlehem' is a captivating opera album, released on 1 October 1993 by Hyperion. This enchanting recording, which spans 1 hour and 19 minutes, is a masterpiece of musical storytelling. The album is a beautiful rendition of Boughton's opera, with a narrative that unfolds across two acts, transporting listeners to the poignant and sacred world of Bethlehem.
Through a series of evocative scenes, the opera brings to life the story of Joseph, Mary, and the birth of Jesus, interspersed with choral interludes that add depth and emotion to the narrative. The music is a perfect blend of solos, duets, and choral pieces, featuring a range of characters, from angels and shepherds to wise men and royalty.
With its rich, expressive soundscapes and thought-provoking lyrics, 'Boughton: Bethlehem' is a compelling listening experience that will resonate with fans of opera and classical music. Rutland Boughton's composition is a testament to his skill as a storyteller and his ability to craft music that is both beautiful and meaningful. This album is a must-listen for anyone who appreciates the art of opera and the magic of the Christmas story.
Bethlehem, Act I: No. 1, Choral PreludeRutland Boughton, City of London Sinfonia, Alan G. Melville, Stephen Layton, The Holst Singers
Bethlehem, Act I Scene 1: No. 2, The Home of Joseph and Mary. Hail Mary, Full of Grace (Gabriel/Mary)Rutland Boughton, Alan G. Melville, Richard Bryan, Helen Field, City of London Sinfonia
Bethlehem, Act I Scene 1: No. 3, The Home of Joseph and Mary. Mary, My Wife So Dear, How Do Ye (Joseph/Mary)Rutland Boughton, Alan G. Melville, Roger Bryson, Helen Field, City of London Sinfonia
Bethlehem, Act I Scene 1: No. 4, The Home of Joseph and Mary. Arise, Joseph, and Go Home Again (Gabriel)Rutland Boughton, Alan G. Melville, City of London Sinfonia, Richard Bryan
Bethlehem, Act I Scene 1: No. 5, The Home of Joseph and Mary. Now, Lord, I Thank Thee with Heart Full Sad (Joseph/Mary)Rutland Boughton, Alan G. Melville, Helen Field, Roger Bryson, City of London Sinfonia
Bethlehem, Act I: No. 6, Choral InterludeRutland Boughton, Alan G. Melville, City of London Sinfonia, Stephen Layton, The Holst Singers
Bethlehem, Act I Scene 2: No. 7, A Moor at Night. O God That Art in Trinity (Jem/Dave/Sym/Angels)Rutland Boughton, Alan G. Melville, John Bowen, Adrian Peacock, Robert Evans, The Holst Singers
Bethlehem, Act I Scene 2: No. 8, A Moor at Night. The Stars of the Morning Shall Dance and Sing (Angels/Sym/Dave/Jem)Rutland Boughton, Robert Evans, Alan G. Melville, Adrian Peacock, City of London Sinfonia, The Holst Singers, John Bowen
Bethlehem, Act I: No. 9, Choral InterludeRutland Boughton, Stephen Layton, Alan G. Melville, The Holst Singers, City of London Sinfonia
Bethlehem, Act I Scene 3: No. 10, The Stable at Bethlehem. Lullay, Lullay, So Softly Sleeping There (Mary/Joseph)Rutland Boughton, Alan G. Melville, City of London Sinfonia, Helen Field, Roger Bryson
Bethlehem, Act I Scene 3: No. 11, The Stable at Bethlehem. As Down from Heaven, from Heaven So High (Shepherds/Angels/Jem/Dave/Sym/Mary)Rutland Boughton, Alan G. Melville, Robert Evans, John Bowen, The Holst Singers, Helen Field, City of London Sinfonia, Adrian Peacock
Bethlehem, Act I: No. 12, Choral InterludeRutland Boughton, The Holst Singers, Alan G. Melville, City of London Sinfonia, Stephen Layton
Bethlehem, Act II Scene 1: No. 1, An Open Place in Jerusalem. Now Blessed Be God of His Sweet Sonde (Zarathustra/Nubar/Merlin)Rutland Boughton, Jamie MacDougall, City of London Sinfonia, Alan Opie, Alan G. Melville, Richard van Allan
Bethlehem, Act II Scene 1: No. 2, An Open Place in Jerusalem. News, News, Wonderful Marvels! (Believer/Unbeliever/Women/Children/Calchas)Rutland Boughton, Colin Campbell, The Holst Singers, New London Children's Choir, Ian Boughton, Alan G. Melville, City of London Sinfonia, Claire Seaton
Bethlehem, Act II Scene 1: No. 3, An Open Place in Jerusalem. I Am He Who Reigns King in Judea and Israel (Herod/Chorus of Slaves/Calcahs)Rutland Boughton, City of London Sinfonia, Graeme Matheson-Bruce, Alan G. Melville, Ian Boughton, The Holst Singers
Bethlehem, Act II Scene 1: No. 4, An Open Place in Jerusalem. Hail, Lord Without a Peer! (Calchas/Herod/Zarathustra/Chorus of Slaves)Rutland Boughton, Alan G. Melville, Ian Boughton, Alan Opie, City of London Sinfonia, Graeme Matheson-Bruce, The Holst Singers
Bethlehem, Act II: No. 5, Choral Interlude "The Seven Joys of Mary"Rutland Boughton, Alan G. Melville, City of London Sinfonia, The Holst Singers, Stephen Layton
Bethlehem, Act II Scene 2: No. 6, The Stable. A Nëwe Year, a Nëwe Year (Mary/Joseph)Rutland Boughton, City of London Sinfonia, Alan G. Melville, Roger Bryson, Helen Field
Bethlehem, Act II Scene 2: No. 7, The Stable. Ohe lalula, Ohe lalay (Zarathustra/Merlin/Nubar/Mary)Rutland Boughton, Alan G. Melville, Jamie MacDougall, Richard van Allan, Helen Field, City of London Sinfonia, Alan Opie
Bethlehem, Act II Scene 2: No. 8, The Stable. Hail, Lord of Land and Sea (Gabriel/Mary/Wise Men/Joseph)Rutland Boughton, Richard van Allan, Alan G. Melville, Roger Bryson, Richard Bryan, Jamie MacDougall, Helen Field, City of London Sinfonia, Alan Opie
Bethlehem, Act II Scene 2: No. 9, The Stable. So Gracious, So Precious in Royaltie (Wise Men/Joseph/Mary/Angels)Rutland Boughton, Alan G. Melville, The Holst Singers, Jamie MacDougall, City of London Sinfonia, Alan Opie, Helen Field, Richard van Allan, Roger Bryson
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