Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Lennox Berkeley's "A Dinner Engagement," a delightful chamber opera that showcases the composer's mastery of tonal music and his knack for storytelling. Released in 2004 under the Chandos label, this 59-minute gem is a must-listen for fans of opera and chamber music alike.
The opera, composed in 1954, revolves around the humorous and poignant attempts of the near-penniless Lord and Lady Dunmow to prepare a dinner to welcome a distinguished guest. With a cast of talented vocalists including Anne Collins, Blake Fischer, Claire Rutter, and Jean Rigby, the opera is brought to life with vivid characters and engaging dialogue.
The album is divided into two scenes, each filled with a mix of humor, romance, and intrigue. From the bustling kitchen preparations in Scene 1 to the elegant drawing room interactions in Scene 2, Berkeley's music beautifully complements the narrative, creating a rich and immersive experience.
"A Dinner Engagement" is not just an opera; it's a journey through the complexities of human relationships, set against the backdrop of a single, fateful dinner. Berkeley's firmly tonal composition style makes the music accessible and enjoyable, while the clever libretto keeps the audience engaged and entertained.
Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "A Dinner Engagement" offers a delightful and engaging listening experience. Don't miss the chance to discover the charm and wit of Lennox Berkeley's delightful chamber opera.
2004 Chandos Records2004 Chandos Records
Tracks
A Dinner Engagement, Op. 45, Scene 1: Salt, pepper, olive oil (Lord Dunmow, Lady Dunmow, Boy)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Roderick Williams, Yvonne Kenny, Blake Fischer
A Dinner Engagement, Op. 45, Scene 1: I'm sorry, Milady, I came through the front door (Mrs. Kneebone, Lady Dunmow, Lord Dunmow)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Roderick Williams, Yvonne Kenny, Jean Rigby
A Dinner Engagement, Op. 45, Scene 1: In the summer of my time (Lord Dunmow, Lady Dunmow, Mrs. Kneebone)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Roderick Williams, Yvonne Kenny, Jean Rigby
A Dinner Engagement, Op. 45, Scene 1: At Missis Ellibank's in Wimbledon (Mrs. Kneebone, Lady Dunmow, Lord Dunmow)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Roderick Williams, Yvonne Kenny, Jean Rigby
A Dinner Engagement, Op. 45, Scene 1: Mother, please can I help? (Susan, Lady Dunmow, Mrs. Kneebone, Lord Dunmow)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Roderick Williams, Yvonne Kenny, Jean Rigby, Claire Rutter
A Dinner Engagement, Op. 45, Scene 1: He was a quiet little boy (Lady Dunmow, Susan, Mrs. Kneebone, Lord Dunmow)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Roderick Williams, Yvonne Kenny, Jean Rigby, Claire Rutter
A Dinner Engagement, Op. 45, Scene 1: Prenez 6 belles tomates (Lady Dunmow, Lord Dunmow, Mrs. Kneebone, Susan)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Roderick Williams, Yvonne Kenny, Jean Rigby, Claire Rutter
A Dinner Engagement, Op. 45, Scene 1: Is this the residence of the Earl and Countess of Dunmow? (Prince Philippe, Mrs. Kneebone)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Jean Rigby, Robin Leggate
A Dinner Engagement, Op. 45, Scene 2: So this, dear Lady Dunmow, is your drawing room (Duchess, Lady Dunmow, Prince Philippe, LordLennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Roderick Williams, Yvonne Kenny, Anne Collins, Robin Leggate
A Dinner Engagement, Op. 45, Scene 2: I never moved a muscle (Lord Dunmow, Lady Dunmow, Duchess, Prince Philippe)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Roderick Williams, Yvonne Kenny, Anne Collins, Robin Leggate
A Dinner Engagement, Op. 45, Scene 2: Forgive my curiosity, but is your servant that young girl …? (Prince Philippe, Lord Dunmow,Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Roderick Williams, Yvonne Kenny, Anne Collins, Robin Leggate
A Dinner Engagement, Op. 45, Scene 2: Come and see our little garden (Lady Dunmow, Lord Dunmow, Prince Philippe, Duchess)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Roderick Williams, Yvonne Kenny, Anne Collins, Robin Leggate
A Dinner Engagement, Op. 45, Scene 2: This way, Ma'am, through the back door (Lord Dunmow, Duchess, Prince Philippe, Susan)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Roderick Williams, Yvonne Kenny, Anne Collins, Robin Leggate, Claire Rutter
A Dinner Engagement, Op. 45, Scene 2: Oh, shall I kneel in shame … ? (Susan, Prince Philippe)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Claire Rutter, Robin Leggate
A Dinner Engagement, Op. 45, Scene 2: I like to imagine how these must have looked (Susan, Prince Philippe)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Claire Rutter, Robin Leggate
A Dinner Engagement, Op. 45, Scene 2: Mon aimee attend la lune (Prince Philippe)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Robin Leggate
A Dinner Engagement, Op. 45, Scene 2: Kiss her at once! (Duchess, Prince Philippe, Susan, Lord Dunmow, Lady Dunmow, Boy)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Roderick Williams, Yvonne Kenny, Anne Collins, Robin Leggate, Claire Rutter, Blake Fischer
A Dinner Engagement, Op. 45, Scene 2: Let her beauty be her dowry (Duchess, Susan, Prince Philippe, Lord Dunmow, Lady Dunmow, Boy,Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Roderick Williams, Yvonne Kenny, Anne Collins, Robin Leggate, Claire Rutter, Blake Fischer
A Dinner Engagement, Op. 45, Scene 2: My Lords, Ladies, Duchess and gentlemen! (Mrs. Kneebone, Prince Philippe, Susan)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Jean Rigby, Claire Rutter, Robin Leggate
Sir Lennox Berkeley, born into an aristocratic family in Oxford in 1903, was a seminal figure in 20th-century English music, renowned for his compositions and teaching. He studied at Oxford University and later with the esteemed Nadia Boulanger in Paris, where he befriended notable composers such as Francis Poulenc, Igor Stravinsky, and Darius Milhaud. Berkeley's music is celebrated for its light textures, piquant harmonies, and a distinctly French refinement, reflecting the influences of his mentors and peers. His works span a wide range of forms, including operas, orchestral pieces, piano compositions, and chamber music, with a particular reputation for his choral works, notably the Stabat Mater. Converting to Roman Catholicism in 1929, Berkeley's faith significantly inspired his compositions. Throughout his career, he was known for his dedication to music and his special bond with his son, Michael Berkeley. Berkeley's legacy continues to be promoted by the Lennox Berkeley Society, ensuring his contributions to English music endure.
Vinylscout
Lennox Berkeley
