Recordings of Lennox Berkeley's music

The Art of Julian Bream

Format: CD
Label: él Records
Release date: June 2011
Catalogue no: acmem211cd

Composed in 1957, the Sonatina was dedicated to Julian Bream, who gave its first performance at Morley College, London, on March 9 1958. Bream’s 1960 recording has been re-issued by él Records in this collection. This first version on disc shows a strong sense of direction in each of the three movements and a feeling of overall unity. Bream’s playing has exemplary articulation, cantabile melodic line and rhythmic vitality, and the old recording still gives a sense of both sonority and clarity.

Christopher Daly

• Sonatina (op. 52 part 1)

Performed by Julian Bream (guitar)

Peter Pears Conducted by the Composers

Format: Digital download
Label: Luna
Release date: June 2011
Catalogue no: LU-1018
Available from: Opera Club

• Four Ronsard Sonnets (op. 62, Set 2)

Performed by the London Sinfonietta & Lennox Berkeley (conductor)

Resurrection

Format: CD & Digital download
Label: Cambridge Recordings
Release date: April 2011
Catalogue no: CAMREC004

• The Lord is My Shepherd (op. 91 part 1)

Performed by the Academy of Great St. Mary's & Samuel Hayes (conductor)

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A Choral Wedding

Format: CD
Label: Naxos
Release date: March 2011
Catalogue no: 8.578196-97

A special musical compendium for brides and grooms who are planning a church wedding ceremony, complete with church choir. CD1 is a selection of favourite anthems, many of which stem from the Anglican choral tradition and are popular choices for most church choirs. It includes Lennox Berkeley's The Lord is my Shepherd (op. 91/1). CD 2 is a selection of favourite hymns, well-known to many people and will provide either contemplative or rousing fare for your congregation. (Synopsis by Naxos)

• The Lord is My Shepherd (op. 91 part 1)

Performed by the Choir of St. John's College Cambridge, Jonathan Vaughn (organ) & Christopher Robinson (conductor)

Singing Away

Format: CD
Label: St. Peter's Collegiate Church
Release date: March 2011

This CD by the choirs of St. Peter's Collegiate Church was recorded at services in Carlisle and Lincoln Cathedrals and York Minster. Priced £10, all profits go to the Organ Restoration Appeal.

• The Lord is My Shepherd (op. 91 part 1)

Performed by the St. Peter's Wolverhampton Choir

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)

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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)