Berkeley: Nelson, Op. 41

*** Good Album

“… Throughout, the singers and chorus are highly capable, and it helps greatly that they’re singing in their native language. The vocal qualities of the individual solo singers contrast with each other enough to help us know who is singing most of the time… I particularly enjoyed Margaret Kingsley as Nelson’s outraged and emotionally abandoned wife (her tone firmer than that of some of the others) and Elizabeth Bainbridge as Emma’s mother. Kingsley was new to me, but Bainbridge is familiar to record collectors … The orchestra, as recorded, is a bit recessed, but comes to the fore in the instrumental interludes. Renowned conductor Elgar Howarth definitely has his finger on the work’s pulse… All in all, Berkeley’s Nelson — which I had not even known existed until this recording came to my door — reinforces my sense that many fine composers of the twentieth century have largely slid off the map because they did not cater to the obsession of many critics and academics with “the New at all cost.” … Bravo to Lyrita for doing its part in bringing important works from the recent past to new generations of listeners! ..”

“…We are dealing here with a most accomplished composer, who knows how to draw us in with attractive melodic material, fresh-sounding harmonies, and an orchestral fabric full of arresting figuration, combinations, and contrasts (As well as contrasting melodic lines in vocal ensembles)… The singers and chorus are highly capable, and it helps greatly that they’re singing in their native language… I particularly enjoyed Margaret Kingsley as the outraged Lady Nelson (her tone firmer than some of the others) and Elizabeth Bainbridge as Emma’s mother… The orchestra is a bit recessed, but comes to the fore in the instrumental interludes. Renowned conductor Elgar Howarth definitely has his finger on the work’s pulse…”

"...Elgar Howarth is a sympathetic conductor with a fine sense of pacing... David Johnston rises to the occasion as Nelson; Eiddwen Harry scintillates as Emma; Richard Angus us a suitably baleful Hardy; Elizabeth Bainbridge is convincing as Emma's mother. In fact, there are no weak links... excellent vocal writing. And there are good tunes throughout... it deserves an enthusiastic welcome..."   ***[**]

Editor’s Choice

“… With production standards high and first-rate notes, Nelson is a major rediscovery to be recommended to all fans of opera or British music in general.” ****½