Berkeley: Crux Fidelis / Missa Brevis / 3 Latin Motets / A Festival Anthem

Album Description

Lennox Berkeley's exquisite collection, Berkeley: Crux Fidelis / Missa Brevis / 3 Latin Motets / A Festival Anthem, is a masterful showcase of the composer's chamber music prowess. Released on 1 September 2003 under the esteemed Naxos label, this album spans 1 hour and 15 minutes, taking listeners on a journey through a diverse range of sacred and choral works.

The album features a stunning array of pieces, including the poignant 'Crux Fidelis', the beautifully crafted 'Missa Brevis', and the sublime '3 Latin Motets'. Berkeley's mastery of vocal writing is evident in the soaring 'Magnificat' and 'Nunc dimittis', while the 'Mass' showcases his ability to craft intricate, interweaving lines. The album also includes the touching 'The Lord Is My Shepherd' and the joyful 'A Festival Anthem', demonstrating Berkeley's remarkable range and depth.

With its rich, nuanced soundscapes and impeccable craftsmanship, this album is a must-listen for fans of chamber music and choral works. Lennox Berkeley's unique voice and style shine throughout, making this collection a testament to his enduring legacy as a composer. Through the careful selection and presentation of these works, Naxos has created an album that is at once a tribute to Berkeley's artistry and a thrilling exploration of the chamber music genre.

September 1, 2003

2003 Naxos

About Lennox Berkeley

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.