Recordings of Lennox Berkeley's music

The Young Julian Bream

Format: CD & Digital download
Label: Dynamic
Release date: February 2011
Catalogue no: IDI6608

This disc features one of the greatest and distinguished contemporary classical guitarists: Julian Bream. It seems extraordinary that the discography of his youth has been only partially re-mastered on CD. In fact, this is true to such a point that many of his very famous performances are still difficult to find today, such as the Lennox Berkeley Sonatina recorded in 1960. The disc also features Bach's fantastic 'Ciaccona' recorded in 1956, when Bream was just 21 years old, together with a selection of other works recorded in 1960, that are currently very difficult to find. Among them is the famous transcription of Ravel's 'Pavane pour une infante défunte'. (Synopsis by Dynamic Records)

• Sonatina (op. 52 part 1)

Performed by Julian Bream (guitar)

The Rose Tree

Format: CD
Label: Prima Facie
Release date: January 2011
Catalogue no: PFCD005

Music in Memory of Basil Deane, featuring compositions by Basil Deane, Elizabeth Poston, Lennox Berkeley, Anthony Hedges, John Joubert, John Manduell, Geoffrey Poole and John McDowell.

• Una and the Lion (op. 98)

Performed by John Turner (recorder), Lesley-Jane Rogers (soprano), Richard Tunnicliffe (viola da gamba) & Ian Thompson (harpsichord)

Steven Dearing July Recital

Format: CD
Release date: December 2010

• Theme and Variations (op. 77)

Performed by Steven Dearing (guitar)

More details of this album...

Departures

Format: CD & Digital download
Label: Saphrane
Release date: November 2010
Catalogue no: S 62611

Travelling is the theme of British tenor Benjamin Hulett's CD, who has made a personal choice from the works of British composers, including Lennox Berkeley's songs 'Tombeaux'. He has also commissioned 'Joys of Travel' (op. 124, 2009) by British composer Giles Swayne, performed here as a world premiere.

The young tenor makes a very powerful statement with this new album. He uses the term 'Departures' in several ways: the start of a journey, the CD as a new beginning for him and pianist Alexander Soddy. Another meaning is found in the theme of the composers setting texts in a language not their own - a linguistic departure. This combination of repertoire and theme is new and daring.

Hulett's strong point, apart from his impressive vocal qualities, is the way he brings together the various works in an organic sounding programme. Together with pianist Alexander Soddy, with whom he has an obvious close musical relationship, he forms a remarkably harmonious and balanced duo. (Synopsis by Saprane Records)

• Tombeaux
  • 1) Le Tombeau de Sappho
  • 2) Le Tombeau de Socrates
  • 3) Le Tombeau d'un Fleuve
  • 4) Le Tombeau de Narcissus
  • 5) Le Tombeau de Don Juan

Performed by Benjamin Hulett (tenor) & Alexander Soddy (piano)

Personent Hodie: Music for Christmas

Format: CD
Label: Herald
Release date: November 2010
Catalogue no: HAVPCD362
Available from: Europadisc

The Christmas message is beautifully sung by the choir which serves the monastic community of St Benedict in Ealing. This collection contains favourites such as Coventry Carol and Away in a Manger as well as more unusual pieces, such as Bethlehem Down, Berkeley’s I Sing of a Maiden and Britten’s Hymn to the Virgin. (Synopsis by Europadisc)

• I Sing of a Maiden

Performed by the Ealing Abbey Choir & Christopher Eastwood (conductor)