Lord Berners: Le carrosse du Saint-Sacrement

Discover the enchanting world of Lord Berners with his captivating album "Le carrosse du Saint-Sacrement," released on April 8, 2022, under the prestigious Naxos label. This album is a delightful blend of orchestral and vocal works, showcasing Berners' unique compositional style and his ability to bring stories to life through music.

The album opens with the lively "Caprice péruvien," arranged for orchestra by C. Lambert, setting the stage for the main event: the comic opera "Le carrosse du Saint-Sacrement." This one-act opera, based on Prosper Mérimée's 1829 play, is presented in English and features a cast of talented vocalists, including Ian Caddy, Alexander Oliver, Cynthia Buchan, and Thomas Lawlor, accompanied by the BBC Scottish Symphony Orchestra under the direction of Nicholas Cleobury.

The opera is a witty and satirical tale, filled with charm and humor, as it follows the misadventures of various characters in 17th-century Spain. The music is engaging and melodious, with each scene offering a new musical treat. From the playful "The Auditors Are Here" to the romantic "Oh That Angel Treats Me Just the Way She Likes," the opera is a journey through a variety of emotions and musical styles.

Lord Berners, known for his eccentricity and multifaceted talents as a novelist, painter, and aesthete, is best remembered for his contributions to music. This album offers a glimpse into his creative genius, making it a valuable addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. With a total duration of 1 hour and 18 minutes, "Le carrosse du Saint-Sacrement" is an album that promises to entertain, engage, and enchant.