Immerse yourself in the world of Grace Williams' only opera, "The Parlour," a delightful comic work that has been meticulously captured in this 2025 release by Lyrita. This live recording, drawn from the opera's inaugural run by the Welsh National Opera in 1966, offers a unique glimpse into the musical genius of Grace Williams, a prominent Welsh composer who left an indelible mark on the classical music scene.
Spanning a total of 79 minutes, "The Parlour" is a one-act opera that unfolds in two engaging scenes, each brimming with wit, charm, and a touch of drama. The opera is presented in its entirety, featuring 24 tracks that weave together to create a rich tapestry of sound and storytelling. From the initial invitations to dinner to the unfolding mysteries and comedic entanglements, the opera is a rollercoaster of emotions and laughter.
Grace Williams' composition is brought to life by a stellar cast of performers, each lending their unique voice to the vibrant characters that populate "The Parlour." The opera's libretto, filled with clever dialogue and humorous exchanges, is expertly delivered, making this recording a true testament to the power of live performance.
This release is a significant addition to the discography of Grace Williams, offering a rare opportunity to experience her only opera in its original live setting. The recording quality is exceptional, allowing the nuances of Williams' composition to shine through, from the delicate interplay of the orchestra to the expressive performances of the vocalists.
For fans of classical music and opera enthusiasts alike, "The Parlour" is a must-listen. It's a celebration of Grace Williams' musical legacy and a reminder of the enduring appeal of live performance. Whether you're a longtime admirer of Williams' work or a newcomer to her compositions, this album promises an engaging and enjoyable listening experience.
Tracks
The Parlour, Scene 1: Hie You There! (Grandmama, Mama, Chorus) - LiveGrace Williams, Edith Coates, Noreen Berry, Welsh National Opera Chorus, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Bryan Balkwill
The Parlour, Scene 1: You Are Insupportable! (Mama) - LiveGrace Williams, Noreen Berry, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Bryan Balkwill
The Parlour, Scene 1: Rosalie! Rosalie! (Augusta, Louisa, Rosalie, Mama, Papa) - LiveGrace Williams, Edward Byles, Janet Hughes, Anne Pashley, Marian Evans, Noreen Berry, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Bryan Balkwill
The Parlour, Scene 1: The Children (Augusta, Louisa, Mama, Papa) - LiveGrace Williams, Edward Byles, Janet Hughes, Noreen Berry, Anne Pashley, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Bryan Balkwill
The Parlour, Scene 1: Dinner at Last (Augusta, Louisa, Rosalie, Mama, Papa) - LiveGrace Williams, Edward Byles, Janet Hughes, Anne Pashley, Marian Evans, Noreen Berry, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Bryan Balkwill
The Parlour, Scene 1: Who'll Be the First to Solve the Mystery? (Augusta, Louisa, Mama, Papa, Doctor Charlton) - LiveGrace Williams, Edward Byles, Janet Hughes, John Gibbs, Anne Pashley, Noreen Berry, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Bryan Balkwill
The Parlour, Scene 1: Won't You Join Us at Dinner (Augusta, Louisa, Mama, Papa, Doctor Charlton) - LiveGrace Williams, Edward Byles, Janet Hughes, John Gibbs, Anne Pashley, Noreen Berry, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Bryan Balkwill
The Parlour, Scene 1: Now Don't Worry (Augusta, Louisa, Mama, Papa, Doctor Charlton) - LiveGrace Williams, Edward Byles, Janet Hughes, John Gibbs, Anne Pashley, Noreen Berry, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Bryan Balkwill
The Parlour, Scene 1: Entr'acte - LiveGrace Williams, Welsh National Opera Chorus, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Bryan Balkwill
The Parlour, Scene 2: Look, the Neighbours Are Coming (Mama, Chorus) - LiveGrace Williams, Noreen Berry, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Bryan Balkwill, Welsh National Opera Chorus
The Parlour, Scene 2: Thank You, One and All (Mama, Papa, Chorus) - LiveGrace Williams, Edward Byles, Noreen Berry, Welsh National Opera Chorus, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Bryan Balkwill
The Parlour, Scene 2: It's Time to Start Preparing Supper (Augusta, Louisa, Mama, Chorus) - LiveGrace Williams, Janet Hughes, Anne Pashley, Edward Byles, Noreen Berry, Welsh National Opera Chorus, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Bryan Balkwill
The Parlour, Scene 2: It's Getting Dark (Augusta, Louisa, Rosalie, Mama, Papa) - LiveGrace Williams, Edward Byles, Janet Hughes, Anne Pashley, Marian Evans, Noreen Berry, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Bryan Balkwill
The Parlour, Scene 2: Mother! Mother! (Augusta, Louisa, Mama, Papa) - LiveGrace Williams, Edward Byles, Janet Hughes, Anne Pashley, Noreen Berry, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Bryan Balkwill
The Parlour, Scene 2: Aunt Genevieve and Uncle Steve! (Augusta, Louisa, Mama, Aunt Genevieve, Uncle Steve, Papa) - LiveGrace Williams, David Lennox, Edward Byles, Janet Hughes, Anne Pashley, Jean Allister, Noreen Berry, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Bryan Balkwill
The Parlour, Scene 2: I Lay in a Coma, a Deep Coma, Make No Mistake (Aunt Genevieve, Mama, Grandmama, Uncle Steve, Papa) - LiveGrace Williams, David Lennox, Edward Byles, Jean Allister, Edith Coates, Noreen Berry, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Bryan Balkwill
The Parlour, Scene 2: What a Sensation! (Augusta, Louisa, Aunt Genevieve, Mama, Grandmama, Uncle Steve, Papa, Doctor Charlton) - LiveGrace Williams, David Lennox, Edward Byles, Janet Hughes, John Gibbs, Anne Pashley, Jean Allister, Edith Coates, Noreen Berry, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Bryan Balkwill
The Parlour, Scene 2: Oh Yes, You Can Laugh, and Treat It as a Joke (Mama, Grandmama, Papa, Doctor Charlton) - LiveGrace Williams, David Lennox, John Gibbs, Edith Coates, Noreen Berry, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Bryan Balkwill
The Parlour, Scene 2: I'm Sorry, You Were Interrupted (Aunt Genevieve, Mama, Uncle Steve, Papa, Doctor Charlton) - LiveGrace Williams, David Lennox, Edward Byles, John Gibbs, Jean Allister, Noreen Berry, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Bryan Balkwill
The Parlour, Scene 2: We Accuse You, and You Know the Reason Why (Augusta, Louisa, Mama, Aunt Genevieve, Uncle Steve, Papa) - LiveGrace Williams, David Lennox, Edward Byles, Jean Allister, Noreen Berry, Janet Hughes, Anne Pashley, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Bryan Balkwill
The Parlour, Scene 2: Is It True? (Uncle Steve, Papa) - LiveGrace Williams, David Lennox, Edward Byles, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Bryan Balkwill
The Parlour, Scene 2: She's Here! (Augusta, Louisa, Aunt Genevieve, Mama, Grandmama, Uncle Steve, Papa, Chorus) - LiveGrace Williams, David Lennox, Edward Byles, Janet Hughes, Anne Pashley, Jean Allister, Edith Coates, Noreen Berry, Welsh National Opera Chorus, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Bryan Balkwill
The Parlour, Scene 2: Louisa! Augusta! To Bed This Instant! (Aunt Genevieve, Grandmama, Uncle Steve) - LiveGrace Williams, David Lennox, Jean Allister, Edith Coates, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Bryan Balkwill
The Parlour, Scene 2: There's No Justice, All to Her Daughter! (Mama, Papa) - LiveGrace Williams, Edward Byles, Noreen Berry, City Of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, Bryan Balkwill
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