Much has changed for Lennox Berkeley on disc in the past couple of years thanks to the superb advocacy of Richard Hickox. When A DinnerEngagement was released (see above) we wondered how this scintillating jewel of a comic opera could have escaped the catalogue for 50 years. Now Ruth – just as fine – shows the religious side of Berkeley, stemming from his FourTeresa of Avila Poems written nine years earlier.
Ruth is based on the biblical story and was adapted by Eric Crozier. At the opening of the first of the three scenes, Naomi is returning dejected to her homeland with her two daughters- in-law after all have lost their husbands.
Ruth stays to support Naomi; after some resistance to Ruth as a foreigner, the workers on the estate of Boaz, a distant kinsman, are persuaded to allow her to work with them. The climax comes in the last scene, in which Ruth, urged by Naomi, cautiously offers herself to Boaz in marriage.
He accepts her, announces his decision to the people, and all ends with rejoicing.
Every detail of this touching story is depicted with typical Berkeley finesse; the set-piece arias are precisely focused and memorable, and the scoring is masterly. Hickox's pacing is consistently right. Jean Rigby as Ruth is charming but firm in resolve when needed and Yvonne Kenny is a dignified and vocally imposing Naomi.
Much of the drama is carried by these two women but all the roles are well cast and effective.
There are plenty of lively choruses for the reapers, projected with panache.