Dive into the enchanting world of chamber music with Lennox Berkeley's captivating album, released on June 1, 2005, under the Naxos label. This collection showcases Berkeley's melodic prowess and tonal mastery, offering a rich tapestry of compositions that span a variety of moods and styles.
The album opens with the delightful Violin Sonatina in A Major, Op. 17, a three-movement piece that exudes charm and elegance. Following this, the Variations 1-5 and the five Short Pieces, Op. 4, provide a delightful contrast with their varied tempos and rhythms. The Andantino, Op. 21, No. 2a, and the three Pieces offer further exploration of Berkeley's compositional versatility.
The Mazurka, Op. 101, No. 2, brings a touch of folk inspiration, while the Duo, Op. 81, No. 1, for Cello and Piano, showcases Berkeley's skill in writing for different instrumental combinations. The Six Preludes, Op. 23, present a series of short, characterful pieces that highlight Berkeley's ability to convey a wide range of emotions in a concise format.
The album concludes with the Concertino, Op. 49, a four-movement work that demonstrates Berkeley's ability to craft a cohesive and engaging musical narrative. Throughout the album, Berkeley's melodic style and tonal language shine, making this a compelling listen for fans of chamber music and classical compositions.
Sir Lennox Berkeley, an English composer born in 1903, studied with Nadia Boulanger in Paris, and his influence on the musical world is evident in the depth and richness of these compositions. This album is a testament to Berkeley's enduring legacy and his significant contributions to the chamber music repertoire.
(C) 2005 Naxos(P) 2005 Naxos
Tracks
Violin Sonatina in A Major, Op. 17: I. ModeratoLennox Berkeley, Elizabeth Sellars, Len Vorster
Violin Sonatina in A Major, Op. 17: II. LentoLennox Berkeley, Elizabeth Sellars, Len Vorster
Violin Sonatina in A Major, Op. 17: III. Allegretto, Variations 1-5Lennox Berkeley, Elizabeth Sellars, Len Vorster
5 Short Pieces, Op. 4: I. AndanteLennox Berkeley, Len Vorster
5 Short Pieces, Op. 4: II. Allegro moderatoLennox Berkeley, Len Vorster
5 Short Pieces, Op. 4: III. AllegroLennox Berkeley, Len Vorster
5 Short Pieces, Op. 4: IV. AndanteLennox Berkeley, Len Vorster
5 Short Pieces, Op. 4: V. AllegroLennox Berkeley, Len Vorster
Andantino, Op. 21, No. 2a: Andantino for Cello and Piano, Op. 21, No. 2aLennox Berkeley, David Berlin, Len Vorster
3 Pieces: I. Moderato (in tempo rubato)Lennox Berkeley, Deborah De Graaff
3 Pieces: II. LentoLennox Berkeley, Deborah De Graaff
3 Pieces: III. AllegroLennox Berkeley, Deborah De Graaff
Mazurka, Op. 101, No. 2: Mazurka for Piano, Op. 101, No. 2Lennox Berkeley, Len Vorster
Duo, Op. 81, No. 1: Duo for Cello and Piano, Op. 81, No. 1Lennox Berkeley, David Berlin, Len Vorster
6 Preludes, Op. 23: I. AllegroLennox Berkeley, Len Vorster
6 Preludes, Op. 23: II. AndanteLennox Berkeley, Len Vorster
6 Preludes, Op. 23: III. Allegro moderatoLennox Berkeley, Len Vorster
6 Preludes, Op. 23: IV. AllegrettoLennox Berkeley, Len Vorster
6 Preludes, Op. 23: V. AllegroLennox Berkeley, Len Vorster
6 Preludes, Op. 23: VI. AndanteLennox Berkeley, Len Vorster
Concertino, Op. 49: I. Allegro moderatoLennox Berkeley, Masahide Kurita, Elizabeth Sellars, David Berlin, Len Vorster, Schirmer Ensemble
Concertino, Op. 49: II. Aria ILennox Berkeley, Masahide Kurita, Elizabeth Sellars, David Berlin, Len Vorster, Schirmer Ensemble
Concertino, Op. 49: III. Aria IILennox Berkeley, Masahide Kurita, Elizabeth Sellars, David Berlin, Len Vorster, Schirmer Ensemble
Concertino, Op. 49: IV. VivaceLennox Berkeley, Masahide Kurita, Elizabeth Sellars, David Berlin, Len Vorster, Schirmer Ensemble
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