Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Lennox Berkeley's "Ruth," a chamber music masterpiece released on April 1, 2005, under the Chandos label. This album is a beautifully crafted musical narrative, spanning a little over an hour and eighteen minutes, that brings to life the timeless story of Ruth from the Bible.
Berkeley's composition is divided into three scenes, each filled with rich, evocative music that paints a vivid picture of the landscapes and emotions of the story. The first scene opens with "A Mountainous Place Near Bethlehem," setting the stage for the poignant conversations between Naomi, Ruth, and Orpah. The second scene transports you to "A Harvest Field Belonging to Boaz," where the music swells with the energy and joy of the harvest. The final scene, "A Threshing-floor, at Night," culminates in a triumphant celebration of love and unity.
Throughout the album, Berkeley's mastery of chamber music shines, with each track offering a unique blend of vocal and instrumental elements. The ensemble work is exceptional, with the voices and instruments weaving together to create a tapestry of sound that is both intricate and accessible. The album features a talented cast of singers and musicians, each bringing their unique voice to the story.
"Ruth" is not just an album; it's an experience. From the hauntingly beautiful "Ah, Must I Leave Thee? Must We Part?" to the jubilant "Rejoice, O Israel, Rejoice," Berkeley's music takes you on a journey through the highs and lows of the story. Whether you're a longtime fan of chamber music or a newcomer looking to explore the genre, "Ruth" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience. Dive in and let the music transport you to the heart of this timeless tale.
2005 Chandos Records2005 Chandos Records
Tracks
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 1: A Mountainous Place Near BethlehemLennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 1: Once More I See Your Green and Golden Hills, O Judah! (Naomi, Ruth, Orpah)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Jean Rigby, Yvonne Kenny, Claire Rutter
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 1: Turn Back, My Daughters (Naomi, Ruth, Orpah)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Jean Rigby, Yvonne Kenny, Claire Rutter
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 1: Almighty Father, Let My Cry Come Unto Thee! (Naomi, Orpah, Ruth)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Jean Rigby, Yvonne Kenny, Claire Rutter
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 1: Ah, Must I Leave Thee? Must We Part? (Orpah, Naomi, Ruth)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Jean Rigby, Yvonne Kenny, Claire Rutter
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 1: Whither Thou Goest, I Will Go (Ruth, Naomi)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Jean Rigby, Yvonne Kenny
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 1: See! Is this Naomi!? (Naomi, Women)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Yvonne Kenny, Joyful Company Of Singers
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 1: Ah, Call Me Not Naomi, Let Mara Be My Name (Naomi)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Yvonne Kenny
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 1: Where, Ah, Where is Naomi? (Naomi, Ruth, Women)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Yvonne Kenny, Jean Rigby, Joyful Company Of Singers
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 2: A Harvest Field Belonging to Boaz - Gold Grows the Barley on Hillside and Valley (Men)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Joyful Company Of Singers
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 2: Greetings, Men of Judah! (Head Reaper, Women)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Roderick Williams, Joyful Company Of Singers
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 2: The Scatter'd Ear of Corn (Women, Men)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Joyful Company Of Singers
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 2: Come, Let Us Go Forth Together (Head Reaper, Ruth, Women, Men)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Jean Rigby, Roderick Williams, Joyful Company Of Singers
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 2: Stay, Men of Judah! (Boaz, Head Reaper, Ruth, Men, Women)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Jean Rigby, Roderick Williams, Mark Tucker, Joyful Company Of Singers
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 2: I Had No Wish to Anger Them (Ruth, Boaz, Head Reaper)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Jean Rigby, Roderick Williams, Mark Tucker
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 2: Ah, Let Not Anger Fill Your Eyes! (Ruth, Boaz)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Jean Rigby, Mark Tucker
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 2: Whence Cometh This to Me, That Thou Should'st Deign to Notice Me? (Ruth, Boaz)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Jean Rigby, Mark Tucker
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 2: The Scatter'd Ear of Corn (Boaz, Women, Men)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Mark Tucker, Joyful Company Of Singers
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 3: A Threshing-floor, at Night - This is the Place! Come, Daughter (Naomi, Ruth)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Jean Rigby, Yvonne Kenny
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 3: Fear Not, Beloved Ruth! (Naomi, Ruth)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Jean Rigby, Yvonne Kenny
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 3: Golden Ripe the Barley Grows (Naomi, Ruth, Head Reaper, Boaz, Women, Men)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Jean Rigby, Yvonne Kenny, Mark Tucker, Roderick Williams, Joyful Company Of Singers
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 3: Lord of the Harvest, What Are Thy Commands? (Head Reaper, Boaz, Men, Women)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Mark Tucker, Roderick Williams, Joyful Company Of Singers
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 3: Winter Time is Time to Plough, Aie, the Wind Does Bite! (Men, Women)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Joyful Company Of Singers
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 3: Across the Field the Long Slow Line of Reapers Goes a-reaping (Women)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Joyful Company Of Singers
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 3: Dance, Come Dance, Dance Within the Ring (Head Reaper, Women, Men)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Roderick Williams, Joyful Company Of Singers
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 3: O Clap Your Hands, All Ye People! (Boaz, Women, Men)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Mark Tucker, Joyful Company Of Singers
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 3: Go Now, My Daughter (Naomi, Ruth)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Jean Rigby, Yvonne Kenny
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 3: Master! (Ruth, Boaz)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Jean Rigby, Mark Tucker
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 3: Thou Comest in the Stillness of the Night (Boaz, Ruth)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Jean Rigby, Mark Tucker
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 3: Lo, My Beloved, My Soul's Delight, to Thee I Give My Hand (Boaz, Ruth)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Jean Rigby, Mark Tucker
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 3: Ho There, My People! (Boaz, Ruth, Naomi, Women, Men)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Jean Rigby, Mark Tucker, Yvonne Kenny, Joyful Company Of Singers
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 3: Behold This Maid (Boaz, Ruth, Naomi, Head Reaper, Women, Men)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Jean Rigby, Mark Tucker, Yvonne Kenny, Roderick Williams, Joyful Company Of Singers
Ruth, Op. 50, Scene 3: Rejoice, O Israel, Rejoice (Head Reaper, Ruth, Naomi, Boaz, Women, Men)Lennox Berkeley, Richard Hickox, City of London Sinfonia, Jean Rigby, Mark Tucker, Yvonne Kenny, Roderick Williams, Joyful Company Of Singers
Vinylscout