Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Lennox Berkeley's "Nelson, Op. 41," a remarkable chamber music album released on June 4, 2021, under the Lyrita label. This two-hour and ten-minute opus is a testament to Berkeley's mastery, offering a rich and intricate exploration of the life and legacy of Admiral Horatio Nelson.
The album is divided into three acts, each brimming with 29 tracks that weave a narrative tapestry of drama, introspection, and historical resonance. From the exhilarating "Victory O Happy Day" to the poignant "Look, It Is Growing Dark," Berkeley's compositional prowess shines through, accompanied by the stellar performances of David Johnston, Eiddwen Harrhy, Brian Rayner Cook, Elizabeth Bainbridge, the BBC Symphony Orchestra, and conducted by Elgar Howarth.
"Nelson, Op. 41" is not just a musical experience; it's a journey through the highs and lows of Nelson's life, set against the backdrop of the late 18th and early 19th centuries. Berkeley's score is a blend of lyrical beauty and dramatic intensity, showcasing his unique ability to convey narrative and emotion through music. Whether you're a seasoned classical music enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this album offers a compelling and enriching listening experience that highlights the enduring power of chamber music.
(C) 2021 Lyrita(P) 2021 Lyrita
Tracks
Nelson, Op. 41, Act I: Mario! Sebastiano! Annibale!Lennox Berkeley, Elizabeth Bainbridge, Eiddwen Harrhy, Brian Rayner Cook, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Elgar Howarth
Nelson, Op. 41, Act I: Mercy, Child, a Carriage and PairLennox Berkeley, Elizabeth Bainbridge, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Elgar Howarth
Nelson, Op. 41, Act I: Victory O Happy DayLennox Berkeley, Elizabeth Bainbridge, Philip O'Reilly, David Johnston, Eiddwen Harrhy, Brian Rayner Cook, BBC Singers, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Elgar Howarth
Nelson, Op. 41, Act I: Oh! With What WonderLennox Berkeley, David Johnston, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Elgar Howarth
Nelson, Op. 41, Act I: A Strange Little HeroLennox Berkeley, Brian Rayner Cook, Eiddwen Harrhy, David Johnston, Elizabeth Bainbridge, BBC Singers, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Elgar Howarth
Nelson, Op. 41, Act I: The Wine WaitsLennox Berkeley, Brian Rayner Cook, Roger Heath, Eiddwen Harrhy, David Johnston, Elizabeth Bainbridge, Mary Thomas, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Elgar Howarth
Nelson, Op. 41, Act I: Very Well, Very WellLennox Berkeley, Mary Thomas, Elizabeth Bainbridge, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Elgar Howarth
Nelson, Op. 41, Act I: Choose Between Love and DeathLennox Berkeley, Eiddwen Harrhy, David Johnston, Brian Rayner Cook, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Elgar Howarth
Nelson, Op. 41, Act I: You Do Well, My LordLennox Berkeley, Brian Rayner Cook, Elizabeth Bainbridge, BBC Singers, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Elgar Howarth
Nelson, Op. 41, Act I: That Is a Man's MusicLennox Berkeley, David Johnston, Eiddwen Harrhy, Elizabeth Bainbridge, Brian Rayner Cook, BBC Singers, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Elgar Howarth
Nelson, Op. 41, Act II Scene 1: Another Day!Lennox Berkeley, Margaret Kingsley, David Johnston, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Elgar Howarth
Nelson, Op. 41, Act II Scene 1: Welcome Ma'amLennox Berkeley, David Johnston, Eiddwen Harrhy, Margaret Kingsley, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Elgar Howarth
Nelson, Op. 41, Act II Scene 1: Indelicate PresumptionLennox Berkeley, Eiddwen Harrhy, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Elgar Howarth
Nelson, Op. 41, Act II Scene 1: Nelson, Why Are You Silent?Lennox Berkeley, Margaret Kingsley, David Johnston, Brian Rayner Cook, Eiddwen Harrhy, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Elgar Howarth
Nelson, Op. 41, Act II Scene 1: Lord Nelson! Emma!Lennox Berkeley, Elizabeth Bainbridge, Eiddwen Harrhy, Margaret Kingsley, David Johnston, Brian Rayner Cook, Richard Angas, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Elgar Howarth
Nelson, Op. 41, Act II Scene 2: Tell Me Hardy, You Knew Lord NelsonLennox Berkeley, Eric Shilling, Richard Angas, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Elgar Howarth
Nelson, Op. 41, Act II Scene 2: You Look Very Sombre, GentlemenLennox Berkeley, David Johnston, Eric Shilling, Richard Angas, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Elgar Howarth
Nelson, Op. 41, Act II Scene 2: Leave Me to ReflectLennox Berkeley, David Johnston, Eiddwen Harrhy, Elizabeth Bainbridge, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Elgar Howarth
Nelson, Op. 41, Act II Scene 2: Lord Nelson a Messenger!Lennox Berkeley, Elizabeth Bainbridge, Eiddwen Harrhy, David Johnston, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Elgar Howarth
Nelson, Op. 41, Act III Scene 1: Today the Great Ship SailsLennox Berkeley, David Johnston, BBC Singers, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Elgar Howarth
Nelson, Op. 41, Act III Scene 1: I Had Their Huzzaz BeforeLennox Berkeley, David Johnston, Richard Angas, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Elgar Howarth
Nelson, Op. 41, Act III Scene 1: Are We Safe Hidden?Lennox Berkeley, Eiddwen Harrhy, Elizabeth Bainbridge, David Johnston, Richard Angas, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Elgar Howarth
Nelson, Op. 41, Act III Scene 1: Now We Pass Into the FutureLennox Berkeley, David Johnston, Eiddwen Harrhy, Richard Angas, Elizabeth Bainbridge, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Elgar Howarth
Nelson, Op. 41, Act III Scene 1: Orchestral InterludeLennox Berkeley, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Elgar Howarth
Nelson, Op. 41, Act III Scene 2: Out of It All, Down Below HatchesLennox Berkeley, Richard Jackson, Francis Egerton, Harry Nicoll, Stephen Varcoe, Anthony Smith, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Elgar Howarth
Nelson, Op. 41, Act III Scene 2: Make Way There!Lennox Berkeley, David Johnston, Harry Nicoll, Stephen Varcoe, Anthony Smith, Richard Jackson, Richard Angas, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Elgar Howarth
Nelson, Op. 41, Act III Scene 2: Orchestral InterludeLennox Berkeley, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Elgar Howarth
Nelson, Op. 41, Act III Scene 3: And So Ma'am, He DiedLennox Berkeley, Richard Angas, Eiddwen Harrhy, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Elgar Howarth
Nelson, Op. 41, Act III Scene 3: Look, It Is Growing DarkLennox Berkeley, Eiddwen Harrhy, BBC Symphony Orchestra, Elgar Howarth