The list of prominent performers on this album contains an interloper. Musicians such as mezzo-soprano Alice Coote, pianist Clare Hammond, harpsichordist Mahan Esfahani and the BBC Singers belong together; less so, however, is Neil Tennant, singer-songwriter and co-founder of the Pet Shop Boys.
Composer Michael Berkeley says he first met Tennant on his Radio 3 show. Private passionsafter that they became friends and started going to each other’s concerts. One night, while in the bath, Berkeley wrote a song about the invasion of Ukraine. Tennant responded by adding the lyrics and recording himself singing. The result, with the help of guitarist David Gilmour, was “Zero Hour” – a pop song full of defiance and hope, with the sirens of Kiev in the background.
Tennant suggested that the song be included in an album of Berkeley collaborations, and so this program of varied music, performed by some of Berkeley’s most beloved colleagues, was born.
Highlights are two series of miniatures that Berkeley calls “Haiku.” Series one, Birdsis for piano, with each short solo representing a particular species, from the rapid twitter of a blackbird to the hopping of blue tits, all brought to life by Hammond. Series two, insectslets Esfahani wonderfully flit, hum and sneak around on the harpsichord.
Add a song cycle, Speaking silenceexplores the calm and oblivion, to which Coote contributes exceptional, soft, high singing and some interesting choral pieces, especially the ecstatic Super flumina Babylonis by the BBC Singers, and this is an attractive and unusual album.
★★★★☆
“Michael Berkeley: Collaborations” is published by Orchid Classics
