Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Grace Williams' "The Parlour," a unique opera that brings to life a tale originally penned by Guy de Maupassant, but masterfully relocated to a Victorian seaside town in 1870 by Williams herself. This one-act opera, structured in two compelling scenes, is a testament to Williams' compositional prowess and her ability to craft a narrative that resonates with depth and drama.
Recorded live by the Welsh National Opera Company and the Welsh National Opera Chorus, this album captures the essence of a thrilling stage performance, transporting you into the heart of the story. The opera, composed by Grace Williams, features a libretto written by the composer herself, adding an extra layer of authenticity and artistic vision.
With a runtime of 1 hour and 19 minutes, "The Parlour" is a rich tapestry of musical storytelling. The album includes a series of live performances, each track building upon the previous one to create a cohesive and engaging narrative. From the opening scene in the parlour to the dramatic unfolding of events, the opera is a journey through suspense, revelation, and emotional depth.
Grace Williams' "The Parlour" is not just an opera; it's an experience. The album, released under the Lyrita label on July 4, 2025, is a must-listen for fans of classical music and opera, offering a unique blend of historical setting, dramatic storytelling, and exceptional musical composition. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or new to the genre, this album promises a memorable and enriching listening experience.
2025 Lyrita Recorded Edition under exclusive licence from the BBC2025 Lyrita Recorded Edition under exclusive licence from the BBC
Tracks
The Parlour, Scene 1: Hie You There! (Grandmama, Mama, Chorus) - LiveGrace Williams, Edith Coates, Noreen Berry, Welsh National Opera Chorus, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Bryan Balkwill
The Parlour, Scene 1: You Are Insupportable! (Mama) - LiveGrace Williams, Noreen Berry, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Bryan Balkwill
The Parlour, Scene 1: Rosalie! Rosalie! (Augusta, Louisa, Rosalie, Mama, Papa) - LiveGrace Williams, Edward Byles, Janet Hughes, Anne Pashley, Marian Evans, Noreen Berry, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Bryan Balkwill
The Parlour, Scene 1: The Children (Augusta, Louisa, Mama, Papa) - LiveGrace Williams, Edward Byles, Janet Hughes, Noreen Berry, Anne Pashley, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Bryan Balkwill
The Parlour, Scene 1: Dinner at Last (Augusta, Louisa, Rosalie, Mama, Papa) - LiveGrace Williams, Edward Byles, Janet Hughes, Anne Pashley, Marian Evans, Noreen Berry, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Bryan Balkwill
The Parlour, Scene 1: Who'll Be the First to Solve the Mystery? (Augusta, Louisa, Mama, Papa, Doctor Charlton) - LiveGrace Williams, Edward Byles, Janet Hughes, John Gibbs, Anne Pashley, Noreen Berry, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Bryan Balkwill
The Parlour, Scene 1: Won't You Join Us at Dinner (Augusta, Louisa, Mama, Papa, Doctor Charlton) - LiveGrace Williams, Edward Byles, Janet Hughes, John Gibbs, Anne Pashley, Noreen Berry, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Bryan Balkwill
The Parlour, Scene 1: Now Don't Worry (Augusta, Louisa, Mama, Papa, Doctor Charlton) - LiveGrace Williams, Edward Byles, Janet Hughes, John Gibbs, Anne Pashley, Noreen Berry, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Bryan Balkwill
The Parlour, Scene 1: Entr'acte - LiveGrace Williams, Welsh National Opera Chorus, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Bryan Balkwill
The Parlour, Scene 2: Look, the Neighbours Are Coming (Mama, Chorus) - LiveGrace Williams, Noreen Berry, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Bryan Balkwill, Welsh National Opera Chorus
The Parlour, Scene 2: Thank You, One and All (Mama, Papa, Chorus) - LiveGrace Williams, Edward Byles, Noreen Berry, Welsh National Opera Chorus, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Bryan Balkwill
The Parlour, Scene 2: It's Time to Start Preparing Supper (Augusta, Louisa, Mama, Chorus) - LiveGrace Williams, Janet Hughes, Anne Pashley, Edward Byles, Noreen Berry, Welsh National Opera Chorus, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Bryan Balkwill
The Parlour, Scene 2: It's Getting Dark (Augusta, Louisa, Rosalie, Mama, Papa) - LiveGrace Williams, Edward Byles, Janet Hughes, Anne Pashley, Marian Evans, Noreen Berry, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Bryan Balkwill
The Parlour, Scene 2: Mother! Mother! (Augusta, Louisa, Mama, Papa) - LiveGrace Williams, Edward Byles, Janet Hughes, Anne Pashley, Noreen Berry, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Bryan Balkwill
The Parlour, Scene 2: Aunt Genevieve and Uncle Steve! (Augusta, Louisa, Mama, Aunt Genevieve, Uncle Steve, Papa) - LiveGrace Williams, David Lennox, Edward Byles, Janet Hughes, Anne Pashley, Jean Allister, Noreen Berry, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Bryan Balkwill
The Parlour, Scene 2: I Lay in a Coma, a Deep Coma, Make No Mistake (Aunt Genevieve, Mama, Grandmama, Uncle Steve, Papa) - LiveGrace Williams, David Lennox, Edward Byles, Jean Allister, Edith Coates, Noreen Berry, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Bryan Balkwill
The Parlour, Scene 2: What a Sensation! (Augusta, Louisa, Aunt Genevieve, Mama, Grandmama, Uncle Steve, Papa, Doctor Charlton) - LiveGrace Williams, David Lennox, Edward Byles, Janet Hughes, John Gibbs, Anne Pashley, Jean Allister, Edith Coates, Noreen Berry, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Bryan Balkwill
The Parlour, Scene 2: Oh Yes, You Can Laugh, and Treat It as a Joke (Mama, Grandmama, Papa, Doctor Charlton) - LiveGrace Williams, David Lennox, John Gibbs, Edith Coates, Noreen Berry, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Bryan Balkwill
The Parlour, Scene 2: I'm Sorry, You Were Interrupted (Aunt Genevieve, Mama, Uncle Steve, Papa, Doctor Charlton) - LiveGrace Williams, David Lennox, Edward Byles, John Gibbs, Jean Allister, Noreen Berry, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Bryan Balkwill
The Parlour, Scene 2: We Accuse You, and You Know the Reason Why (Augusta, Louisa, Mama, Aunt Genevieve, Uncle Steve, Papa) - LiveGrace Williams, David Lennox, Edward Byles, Jean Allister, Noreen Berry, Janet Hughes, Anne Pashley, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Bryan Balkwill
The Parlour, Scene 2: Is It True? (Uncle Steve, Papa) - LiveGrace Williams, David Lennox, Edward Byles, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Bryan Balkwill
The Parlour, Scene 2: She's Here! (Augusta, Louisa, Aunt Genevieve, Mama, Grandmama, Uncle Steve, Papa, Chorus) - LiveGrace Williams, David Lennox, Edward Byles, Janet Hughes, Anne Pashley, Jean Allister, Edith Coates, Noreen Berry, Welsh National Opera Chorus, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Bryan Balkwill
The Parlour, Scene 2: Louisa! Augusta! To Bed This Instant! (Aunt Genevieve, Grandmama, Uncle Steve) - LiveGrace Williams, David Lennox, Jean Allister, Edith Coates, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Bryan Balkwill
The Parlour, Scene 2: There's No Justice, All to Her Daughter! (Mama, Papa) - LiveGrace Williams, Edward Byles, Noreen Berry, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Bryan Balkwill
Vinylscout