Berkeley: Stabat Mater, Batter My Heart & Magnificat

Dive into the rich tapestry of Lennox Berkeley's sacred choral works with this captivating album, released on September 9, 2016, by Lyrita. Spanning a little over an hour, this chamber music collection showcases Berkeley's mastery of the genre, offering a profound and intimate listening experience.

The album opens with Berkeley's "Stabat Mater, Op. 28," a powerful and poignant setting of the traditional Latin text. Each of the ten movements is performed live, bringing a sense of immediacy and raw emotion to the listener. The work is followed by "Batter My Heart, Three Person'd God, Op. 60 Pt. 1," a striking and dramatic setting of a poem by John Donne.

The album concludes with Berkeley's "Magnificat, Op. 71," a joyous and exultant setting of the text from the Gospel of Luke. The seven movements are performed live, with each section building upon the last to create a sense of triumph and jubilation.

Throughout the album, Berkeley's skillful use of harmony and counterpoint is evident, as is his deep understanding of the human voice. The performances are impeccable, with each singer bringing their own unique interpretation to the music. Whether you're a longtime fan of Berkeley's work or a newcomer to his music, this album is sure to leave a lasting impression.