The Marian Consort; Berkeley Ensemble; conducted by David Wordsworth
Following three concert performances, the recording of music by Lennox and Michael Berkeley was released on Delphian Records (DD34180)
Lennox Berkeley: Stabat Mater*; Mass for five voices; Judica me
Michael Berkeley: Touch Light *
* world premiere recording
Concert Reviews:
“The performance was a truly gripping religious journey – solemn, austere, but profoundly spiritual – performed impeccably….”
(Seen & Heard)
“…. a beautifully sung and admirably engineered performance of his rediscovered masterpiece, rapturously received at the end of the programme”
(Musical Opinion)
“…. a substantial, neglected opus….. More than substantial, it proved downright astonishing….”
(Sunday Times)
CD Reviews:
“Six solo voices and 12 instrumentalists weaving together a solemn sort of neo-classicism, all jagged-edged mysticism and glimmering triads. There’s an earnest beauty in it and the instrumental playing on this recording is spot-on – the Berkeley Ensemble under David Wordsworth clinches the balance of chaste, plaintive and urgent”
(Guardian)
“An inspired and moving major work – by turns eerie, poignant and powerful”
(Classical Music – EDITOR’S CHOICE)
“…. the score’s cause is helped by the fact that it receives a searing and expert performance. This may be the works debut on disc but its been worth the wait to hear it in a performance of such quality. This is a very important disc…. Admirers of Lennox Berkeley’s music should put this disc at the top of their shopping list….”
(Music Web International – RECORDING OF THE MONTH)
“…. ‘Stabat Mater’ shows Lennox Berkeley at his most beguilingly austere…. fastidiously embroidered by chamber ensemble….”
(Sunday Times)
“Lennox Berkeley’s ‘Stabat Mater’ is a beguiling, solemn work, sparsely written but deeply felt…. both pieces are impeccably performed”
(BBC Music Magazine)
“…. ‘Touch Light’…. the rapture is beautifully created…. in a performance of shimmering intensity”
(Gramaphone)