Lennox Berkeley: Chamber Works

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the refined world of Lennox Berkeley's chamber music with this captivating collection of works performed by the Berkeley Ensemble. Released in March 2015 on the Resonus Classics label, this album showcases the composer's mastery of the chamber genre, offering a diverse range of pieces that highlight his unique voice and compositional skill.

The album opens with a delightful "Piece for Flute, Clarinet and Bassoon," setting the tone for the diverse and engaging program that follows. The centerpiece of the collection is the "Sextet, Op. 47," a three-movement work that demonstrates Berkeley's ability to create intricate and expressive music for a small ensemble. Other standout pieces include the evocative "In Memoriam Igor Stravinsky: Canon for String Quartet" and the intimate "String Trio, Op. 19," which showcases the ensemble's exceptional musicianship.

The album also features solo and duo works, such as the "Three Pieces for Solo Viola" and the "Sonatine for Clarinet and Piano," providing a comprehensive overview of Berkeley's chamber output. Each piece is performed with precision and passion by the Berkeley Ensemble, bringing these works to life in a way that is both engaging and enlightening.

With a duration of just under an hour, this album is an excellent introduction to Lennox Berkeley's chamber music and a rewarding listen for those already familiar with his work. The album was nominated for a Gramophone Award in 2017, further cementing its place as a standout release in the chamber music genre. Whether you're a longtime fan of Lennox Berkeley or a newcomer to his music, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.

3 april 2015

(P) 2015 Resonus Limited

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.