Berkeley Symphonies Nos. 1 & 2

"The warmly sympathetic playing of the LPO is of the highest quality and the analogue Lyrita recording has impeccable depth and realism." PENGUIN GUIDE "Both [Symphonies] are substantial, strongly argued and superbly written works, fully responding to the weight of tradition required when heading a score 'Symphony'. Rhythmic clarity, motivic concision and transparent scoring inform Berkeley's finest works, of which these symphonies are examples. Norman Del Mar and Nicholas Braithwaite share the conducting to dedicated and revealing effect." Colin Anderson International Record Review. *** PENGUIN GUIDE 2010

"The work’s genesis lies in the late 1930s however it was completed in 1940. The Symphony is obviously a ‘wartime’ work – at least as far as the dates are concerned. However when this work is compared to many ‘wartime’ symphonies we notice an interesting point…

There is elegance and wit in this work that on the one hand belies the historical situation – yet there are also turbulent passages that suggest a ‘reflection of wartime moods.’ The keynote of this work is emotional and stylistic balance. The opening movement is in classical sonata-form with a good contrast between the first and second subjects. Fine writing for brass is one of the highlights. Look out for the waltz-like ‘allegretto’ which is so typical of Berkeley. However it is with the ‘lento’ that we feel that the war is pressing in on this Symphony. This is deeply felt music that inspires as well as challenges. The last movement probably owes more to Haydn than any other composer. This is a fascinating little ‘rondo’ with more than a passing nod to the neo-classical Serenade for Strings…

Lyrita has done well to re-release Lennox Berkeley’s first three Symphonies. I wonder if the archive has a recording of the Fourth? Chandos have recorded all four Symphonies and Richard Hickox has done a great service to Berkeley’s orchestral works. It is impossible to say what version is ‘best’. However I would say that for me, the Lyrita disc does have the edge. It is probably because these are the recordings I came to know over the last thirty odd years." John France, MusicWeb International