Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Rutland Boughton's "Bethlehem," a timeless opera that beautifully unfolds the nativity story through a series of enchanting musical scenes. Released in 1993 under the Hyperion label, this operatic masterpiece spans a gripping 79 minutes, offering a rich and immersive experience that transcends the ordinary.
Boughton's composition is a symphony of emotions, with each track meticulously crafted to bring the biblical narrative to life. From the serene "Choral Prelude" to the triumphant "Hail, Lord of Land and Sea," the album is a journey through the heart of the nativity, showcasing Boughton's extraordinary ability to blend drama, spirituality, and musical brilliance.
The opera is divided into two acts, each filled with a variety of scenes that range from intimate dialogues to grand choral interludes. The first act introduces us to the humble home of Joseph and Mary, the angel Gabriel's announcements, and the celestial chorus of angels on a moonlit moor. The second act transports us to the bustling streets of Jerusalem and the humble stable in Bethlehem, culminating in the adoration of the wise men.
Boughton's "Bethlehem" is not just an opera; it's a testament to the power of music to tell a story that has captivated hearts for centuries. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album promises a deeply moving and musically rich experience.
Tracks
Bethlehem, Act I: No. 1, Choral PreludeRutland Boughton, City of London Sinfonia, Alan G. Melville, Stephen Layton, The Holst Singers
Bethlehem, Act I Scene 1: No. 2, The Home of Joseph and Mary. Hail Mary, Full of Grace (Gabriel/Mary)Rutland Boughton, Alan G. Melville, Richard Bryan, Helen Field, City of London Sinfonia
Bethlehem, Act I Scene 1: No. 3, The Home of Joseph and Mary. Mary, My Wife So Dear, How Do Ye (Joseph/Mary)Rutland Boughton, Alan G. Melville, Roger Bryson, Helen Field, City of London Sinfonia
Bethlehem, Act I Scene 1: No. 4, The Home of Joseph and Mary. Arise, Joseph, and Go Home Again (Gabriel)Rutland Boughton, Alan G. Melville, City of London Sinfonia, Richard Bryan
Bethlehem, Act I Scene 1: No. 5, The Home of Joseph and Mary. Now, Lord, I Thank Thee with Heart Full Sad (Joseph/Mary)Rutland Boughton, Alan G. Melville, Helen Field, Roger Bryson, City of London Sinfonia
Bethlehem, Act I: No. 6, Choral InterludeRutland Boughton, Alan G. Melville, City of London Sinfonia, Stephen Layton, The Holst Singers
Bethlehem, Act I Scene 2: No. 7, A Moor at Night. O God That Art in Trinity (Jem/Dave/Sym/Angels)Rutland Boughton, Alan G. Melville, John Bowen, Adrian Peacock, Robert Evans, The Holst Singers
Bethlehem, Act I Scene 2: No. 8, A Moor at Night. The Stars of the Morning Shall Dance and Sing (Angels/Sym/Dave/Jem)Rutland Boughton, Robert Evans, Alan G. Melville, Adrian Peacock, City of London Sinfonia, The Holst Singers, John Bowen
Bethlehem, Act I: No. 9, Choral InterludeRutland Boughton, Stephen Layton, Alan G. Melville, The Holst Singers, City of London Sinfonia
Bethlehem, Act I Scene 3: No. 10, The Stable at Bethlehem. Lullay, Lullay, So Softly Sleeping There (Mary/Joseph)Rutland Boughton, Alan G. Melville, City of London Sinfonia, Helen Field, Roger Bryson
Bethlehem, Act I Scene 3: No. 11, The Stable at Bethlehem. As Down from Heaven, from Heaven So High (Shepherds/Angels/Jem/Dave/Sym/Mary)Rutland Boughton, Alan G. Melville, Robert Evans, John Bowen, The Holst Singers, Helen Field, City of London Sinfonia, Adrian Peacock
Bethlehem, Act I: No. 12, Choral InterludeRutland Boughton, The Holst Singers, Alan G. Melville, City of London Sinfonia, Stephen Layton
Bethlehem, Act II Scene 1: No. 1, An Open Place in Jerusalem. Now Blessed Be God of His Sweet Sonde (Zarathustra/Nubar/Merlin)Rutland Boughton, Jamie MacDougall, City of London Sinfonia, Alan Opie, Alan G. Melville, Richard van Allan
Bethlehem, Act II Scene 1: No. 2, An Open Place in Jerusalem. News, News, Wonderful Marvels! (Believer/Unbeliever/Women/Children/Calchas)Rutland Boughton, Colin Campbell, The Holst Singers, New London Children's Choir, Ian Boughton, Alan G. Melville, City of London Sinfonia, Claire Seaton
Bethlehem, Act II Scene 1: No. 3, An Open Place in Jerusalem. I Am He Who Reigns King in Judea and Israel (Herod/Chorus of Slaves/Calcahs)Rutland Boughton, City of London Sinfonia, Graeme Matheson-Bruce, Alan G. Melville, Ian Boughton, The Holst Singers
Bethlehem, Act II Scene 1: No. 4, An Open Place in Jerusalem. Hail, Lord Without a Peer! (Calchas/Herod/Zarathustra/Chorus of Slaves)Rutland Boughton, Alan G. Melville, Ian Boughton, Alan Opie, City of London Sinfonia, Graeme Matheson-Bruce, The Holst Singers
Bethlehem, Act II: No. 5, Choral Interlude "The Seven Joys of Mary"Rutland Boughton, Alan G. Melville, City of London Sinfonia, The Holst Singers, Stephen Layton
Bethlehem, Act II Scene 2: No. 6, The Stable. A Nëwe Year, a Nëwe Year (Mary/Joseph)Rutland Boughton, City of London Sinfonia, Alan G. Melville, Roger Bryson, Helen Field
Bethlehem, Act II Scene 2: No. 7, The Stable. Ohe lalula, Ohe lalay (Zarathustra/Merlin/Nubar/Mary)Rutland Boughton, Alan G. Melville, Jamie MacDougall, Richard van Allan, Helen Field, City of London Sinfonia, Alan Opie
Bethlehem, Act II Scene 2: No. 8, The Stable. Hail, Lord of Land and Sea (Gabriel/Mary/Wise Men/Joseph)Rutland Boughton, Richard van Allan, Alan G. Melville, Roger Bryson, Richard Bryan, Jamie MacDougall, Helen Field, City of London Sinfonia, Alan Opie
Bethlehem, Act II Scene 2: No. 9, The Stable. So Gracious, So Precious in Royaltie (Wise Men/Joseph/Mary/Angels)Rutland Boughton, Alan G. Melville, The Holst Singers, Jamie MacDougall, City of London Sinfonia, Alan Opie, Helen Field, Richard van Allan, Roger Bryson
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