Sullivan, Arthur

Thoroughly Modern Millie (2002 Original Broadway Cast)

Average customer rating:

A must to add to your collection
Delightful
YOU WILL LOVE IT
Stellar cast in a first rate musical
Thoroughly Modern Millie

Thoroughly Modern Millie (2002 Original Broadway Cast)
Jeanine Tesori , Dick Scanlan , and Sutton Foster
Manufacturer: RCA Victor Broadway
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Thoroughly Modern Millie
Thoroughly Modern Millie: Vocal Selections
Little Women The Musical (2005 Original Broadway Cast)
Hairspray (2002 Original Broadway Cast)
The Drowsy Chaperone (2006 Original Broadway Cast)

ASIN: B000066B4Y
Release Date: 2002-06-11

Tracks:

Overture (Orchestra)
Not for the Life of Me (Sutton Foster)
Thoroughly Modern Millie (Sutton Foster and Ensemble)
Not for the Life of Me (Sutton Foster, JoAnn M. Hunter, Alisa Klein, Jessica Grove, Megan Sikora, Catherine Brunell and Kate Baldwin)
How the Other Half Lives (Angela Christian and Sutton Foster)
Not for the Life of Me (reprise) (Ken Leung and Francis Jue)
The Speed Test (Marc Kudisch, Sutton Foster, Anne L. Nathan and Ensemble)
They Don't Know (Harriet Harris)
The Nuttycracker Suite (Orchestra)
What Do I Need with Love? (Gavin Creel)
Only in New York (Sheryl Lee Ralph)
Jimmy (Sutton Foster)
Back at Work (Orchestra with Sutton Foster, Anne L. Nathan and Ensemble)
Forget About the Boy (Sutton Foster, Anne L. Nathan and Ensemble)
Ah! Sweet Mystery of Life/I'm Falling in Love with Someone (Marc Kudisch and Angela Christian)
I Turned the Corner/I'm Falling in Love with Someone (quartet/reprise) (Gavin Creel and Sutton Foster, Marc Kudisch and Angela Christian)
Muqin (Harriet Harris, Francis Jue and Ken Leung)
Long as I'm Here with You (Sheryl Lee Ralph and Male Ensemble)
Gimme Gimme (Sutton Foster)
Finale (Thoroughly Modern Millie) (Gavin Creel, Angela Christian and Ensemble with Sheryl Lee Ralph and Sutton Foster)
Final Bows (Entire Company)

Amazon.com

Although it's based on the 1967 movie of the same name, Thoroughly Modern Millie is almost thoroughly new. Composer Jeanine Tesori (Violet) and lyricist Dick Scanlan wrote a whole batch of songs, while retaining a couple from the movie--including the Jimmy van Heusen-Sammy Cahn title tune--and recycling even older material (look for Victor Herbert's "I'm Falling in Love with Someone" and the inventively arranged "Nuttycracker Suite"). Miraculously, the show, set during the jazz age, doesn't feel stitched together, and Tesori does a great job cranking out swinging melodies. Sutton Foster is appropriately brassy as Millie, but she can also tone it down, as in the beginning of "Gimme Gimme" (of course, she then proceeds to project up to the last rafters as the song builds to its climax). Harriet Harris, as nasty Mrs. Meers, steals the show with "They Don't Know." Close your eyes, listen to her, and you'll be back in Broadway's golden age. --Elisabeth Vincentelli

Customer Reviews:

A must to add to your collection.......2007-05-18

I was very fortunate enough to see this on Broadway. It was one of the best shows I've ever seen! The music has just enough jazz and contemporary vive that any musical lover would enjoy! It's also got tapping in it! Sutton is simply awesome in this role and all of the cast can really belt out their songs. Harriet Harris is phenominal in her role as Mrs. Meers. I highly recommend this to all broadway lovers! It's one to add to your collection!

Delightful.......2006-06-12

The music takes a little bit to grow on you, but boy, does it! It's wonderful, charming, romantic, funny--just like the play itself. I loved almost every song and I was really impressed with "Long As I'm Here With You"-- I thought it was an old song written back in the twenties, because it so sounded like one. The cast is absolutely energetic and endearing, and Sutton Foster just *rocks*. Definitely worth the money.

YOU WILL LOVE IT.......2006-02-17

If you like musicals, you will NOT REGRET purchasing this musical soundtrack. JUST DO IT. It's so great, you will be listening to it forever. I also saw the show at the Kennedy Center in D.C. and it's one of the best I've ever seen. (And I've seen A LOT.)

Have Fun!

Stellar cast in a first rate musical.......2006-01-29

A sparkling Broadway lead debut from Sutton Foster (run, don't walk to any live performances given by Ms. Sutton) with superb comedic support given by Mark Kudisch and Harriet Harris (who won the Tony Award for this performance)

Thoroughly Modern Millie.......2006-01-27

Truth be told it took me a while to warm up to this cast Album beacuse at first listen it is dull, bland , and completly boring.
But after a few listens I really got into it althought there are still problems and I only like a few songs I don't completly detest it like I did the first time I heard it.

The songs I enjoy are:
Not For The Life of Me
Thoroughly Modern Millie
They Don't Know
The Speed Test
What Do I need With Love
Forget About the Boy
Long As I'm here With You

The problem with Millie is that the slow songs are boring or from another show which is annoying. it seems the the people who wrote the music and lyrics for this show only used their talent on the up-beat songs but slacked on the slow ballads.

Buy this album only if you are a super Broadway fan like me , other-wise you will probably be dissapointed.

Average customer rating:

Excellent Soundtrack
Outstanding Recording of an Outstanding Score
Delightful G & S
This is a great CD!!
Fantastic Cast Recording

The Pirates of Penzance

Manufacturer: Elektra / Wea
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Gilbert & Sullivan - The Pirates of Penzance / Kline, Ronstadt, Smith, Routledge, Delacorte Theater (Broadway Theatre Archive)
The Pirates Of Penzance Or The Slave Of Duty
Gilbert & Sullivan - The Mikado / Eric Idle, Lesley Garrett, Richard Van Allan, Felicity Palmer, Richard Angas, Bonaventura Bottone, Susan Bullock, English National Opera
The Complete Annotated Gilbert & Sullivan
Pirates of Penzance in Full Score

ASIN: B000002GXE
Release Date: 1998-02-24

Tracks:

Pour, O Pour the Pirate Sherry
When Frederic Was A Little Lad
Oh, Better Far to Live And Die
Oh, False One, You Have Deceived Me!
Climbing Over Rocky Mountains
Stop, Ladies, Pray!
Oh, Is There Not One Maiden Breast
Poor Wandering One
What Ought We To Do?
How Beautifully Blue The Sky
Stay, We Must Not Lose Our Senses
Hold, Monsters!
I Am The Very Model Of A Modern Major-General
Oh, Men Of Dark And Dismal Fate

Tracks:

Oh, Dry The Glistening Tear
Then Frederic
When The Foeman Bares His Steel
Now For The Pirates' Liar
When You Had Left Our Pirate Fold
My Eyes Are Fully Open
Away, Away! My Heart's On Fire
All Is Prepared
Stay, Frederic, Stay!
Sorry Her Lot
No, I Am Brave
When A Felon's Not Engaged In His Employment
A Rollicking Ban of Pirates We
With Cat-Like Tread, Upon Our Prey We Steal
Hush, Hush! Not A Word
Sighing Softly To The River
Finale

Amazon.com

Producer Joseph Papp's Broadway spin on Gilbert & Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance cannily employs pop firepower in its casting, adding an inviting Yankee accent to roles normally associated with (and sometimes embalmed in) plummy English locution. Erstwhile country-rocker Linda Ronstadt, who by this point had already proven she could tackle pre-rock pop standards, stretches successfully as its heroine. Rex Smith, then dismissed as a pop-rock heartthrob, proves he could be a "legitimate" musical leading man, a niche he's since inhabited comfortably. And Kevin Kline returns to his stage training as the hearty King of the Pirates. Onstage, Papp celebrated the slapstick possibilities of the deliberately silly plot, which weaves reliably tart observations about class consciousness and gender politics into a pirate band's invasion of a Cornish coastal town. A faithful big-screen adaptation added Angela Lansbury for marquee clout, but even without that grande dame of the Great White Way, this original stage cast is a corker, the music glorious and the performances spirited. --Sam Sutherland

Customer Reviews:

Excellent Soundtrack.......2007-03-08

You have to be a muscial fan to love this. This play is very fun and funny. This soundtrack has the songs from this wonderful play that you will want to hear over and over again.

Outstanding Recording of an Outstanding Score.......2006-11-07

The entire "Pirates" score plus much of the dialogue is found in this recording. The voices are extremely appropriate to each of the characters, and the comedy of the score is apparent. The energy is extremely high, which, in turn, excites the listener. I never tire of listening to it.

Delightful G & S.......2006-11-04

My favourite performance of this classic Gilbert & Sullivan Operetta. Kevin Kline, Linda Ronstat, and the whole cast are perfect.

This is a great CD!!.......2006-10-30

I love listening to these CD's. (There are 2 of them.) This recording of The Pirates of Penzance is great fun and quite entertaining. The lyrics are enclosed so I can check to see what is being sung if I'm not sure. The melodies are enchanting. The wonderful humor of Gilbert and Sullivan is intact. The silliness and musical talent remind me of the Marx Brothers, especially something like A Night at the Opera.

Linda Ronstadt is amazing! Kevin Kline can do anything! George Rose IS the modern Major General! And Rex Smith ("how rare his beauty") is perfect!

Fantastic Cast Recording.......2006-03-01

As cast recordings go, many of them fail to bring the spirit of the show to life. However, this 1981 cast recording of Joseph Papp's production of Gilbert and Sullivan's The Pirates of Penzance hits the spot dead centre! Complete with dialogue, just like the D'Oyly Carte recordings of the 1960s, this is a superb reminder of a magnificent cast. The great pity is that, although Estelle Parsons is wonderful, the recording was not made when the original Ruth, Patricia Routledge, was in the cast. However, when it transferred from the Park to Broadway, she didn't go with it. Never mind, it makes up for it with a dream cast including Kevin Kline, Linda Ronstadt, Rex Smith and the one and only George Rose. A fine recording that every musical collecter (whether a fan of G&S or not) should own.

Average customer rating:

Excellent teaching tool
I have only one complaint about this CD
What every kid (and parent needs!)
What's Opera Doc?
Lots of Fun Music

The Classical Child at the Opera

Manufacturer: Classical Child
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Classical Music for Children: A Toddler's Introduction to Classical Music
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Mozart's Magnificent Voyage

ASIN: B00000J29D
Release Date: 2001-05-04

Tracks:

Children's March [From Carmen]
Doll Song [From Tales of Hoffmann]
Anvil Chorus [From II Trovatore]
Bird Catcher Am I [From the Magice Flute]
Papagena! Papagena! Papagena! [From The Magic Flute]
Pa, Pa, Pa, Pa [From the Magice Flute]
Flower Duet [From Lakm
Largo Al Factotum [From the Barber of Seville]
Three Little Maids from School [From the Mikado]
Sun Whose Rays Are All Ablaze [From the Mikado]
Tit-Willow [From the Mikado]
Brother, Come Dance With Me [from Hansel and Gretel)
I Am the Little Sandman [from Hansel and Gretel)
Children's Prayer [from Hansel and Gretel)

Album Description

OPERA IS FOR EVERYONE and so, The Classical Child At the Opera was created to give children a taste of the magic, majesty and humor of this glorious art form. Well-known songs and arias have been selected that appeal to young sensibilities, while easy-to-follow English translations bring these delightful stories and characters to life. Care has been taken by the singers to present the music in a way that is light hearted and accessible sometimes gentle, sometimes raucous, but always positive and engaging.

Customer Reviews:

Excellent teaching tool.......2006-05-10

I use this CD is my classroom for a wide variety of activities including art instruction for which it is ideally suited. It is hard to recommend this CD enough! Thanks for putting it together.

I have only one complaint about this CD.......2006-04-16

My one complaint is that after I listen to this CD, the catchy tunes get stuck in my head! And then I want to keep listening to it more and more. I love the selections on this CD, the fact that the songs are in English (I always wondered what the "Figaro, Figaro, Figaro" song was about!), and that a little background is given to each piece as well.

What every kid (and parent needs!).......2004-02-06

All I can say is my family LOVES this CD! We have a blast singing along, dancing, etc. It's made opera a new discovery for all of us.

What's Opera Doc?.......2003-03-29

No, this isn't Bugs Bunny's version of opera. It is, however, an excellent introduction to opera, for young and old alike. The the translations to English are quite clever, and the singers' voices are, for the most part, excellent and clear (overly florid voices can be such a turn-off). Grant Doyle, the baritone, is a particular stand-out: rather than sing "at" you, he manages to convey humor and emotion in his parts... you can almost *see* the funny bird catcher, Papageno, in the three songs from Mozart's "Magic Flute", which happent to be my 5-year old's favorite tracks. Doyle's turn as Figaro in "Largo al Factorum" from "The Barber of Seville" is pure joy. The children's chorus in "The Children's March" from "Carmen" is also delightful, and Gabriella Santinelli's(?) voice as the doll from Offenbach's "Tales of Hoffman" is simply amazing.

As much as I enjoy this album, I question the inclusion of the last three songs, which come from "Hansel and Gretel". The voices on the songs are of the overly florid nature, and I can see my daughter lose interest. I think it would have been more interesting to include more "Carmen," or arias from other such popular operas "Rigoletto" or "Aida". Or if the album needed to end on a slower note, the overcoat song from "La Boheme."

IAC, I have caught my daughter humming bits and pieces from the operas. Even I have managed to amaze people by correctly identifying the Flower Duet from "Lakme"! I strongly recommend this album.

Lots of Fun Music.......2002-11-29

Our baby seems to enjoy this operatic CD almost as much as her parents enjoy it. Maybe she doesn't even really hear it, but she does see her parents acting silly and singing along to the catchy opera songs. I think we'll be listening to this one for many years to come. You'll probably really enjoy this CD if you have an appreciation for opera already.

Gilbert & Sullivan: The Pirates of Penzance

Average customer rating:

Wonderful Production
Quality but Staid
Solid and Traditional
The Best of Many, Many Recordings

Gilbert & Sullivan: The Pirates of Penzance

Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Pirates Of Penzance Or The Slave Of Duty
Gilbert & Sullivan - The Mikado / WNO · Mackerras
Gilbert & Sullivan: H.M.S. Pinafore / Mackerras, Welsh National Opera
Gilbert & Sullivan: HMS Pinafore
Gilbert & Sullivan; The Mikado

ASIN: B00008LJEV
Release Date: 2003-05-13

Tracks:

Overture
Pour, Oh Pour The Pirate Sherry
When Fred'ric Was A Little Lad
Oh, Better To Live And Die
Oh, False One, You Have Deceived Me
Climbing Over Rocky Mountain
Stop! Ladies, Pray! A Man!
Oh, Is There Not One Maiden Breast
Oh, Sisters, Deaf To Pity's Name, For Shame!
Poor Wand'ring One!
What Ought We To Do, Gentle Sisters, Say?
How Beautifully Blue The Sky
Stay, We Must Not Lose Our Senses
Hold, Monsters!
I Am The Very Model Of A Modern Major-General

Tracks:

Oh, Men Of Dark And Dismal Fate
Hail Poetry, Thou Heav'n Born Maid!
You May Go, For You're At Liberty
Pray Observe The Magnanimity
Oh, Dry The Glist'ning Tear
Then Frederic
When The Foeman Bares His Steel
Now For The Pirates Lair!
When You Had Left Our Pirate Fold
Away, Away, My Heart's On Fire
All Is Prepared
Stay, Fred'ric Stay!
Ah, Leave Me Not Pine Alone And Desolate
Oh, Here Is Love And Here Is Truth
No, I'll Be Brave
Sergeant Approach
When A Felon's Not Engaged In His Employment
A Rollicking Band Of Pirates We
With Cat-Like Tread
Hush! Hush! Not A Word
Sighing Softly To The River
Now What Is This, And What Is That
We Triumph Now
Away With Them, And Place Them At The Bar
Poor Wand'ring Ones, Though Ye Have Surely Strayed

Customer Reviews:

Wonderful Production.......2006-02-27

It is almost imposible to find a flaw in this production. Valerie Masterson is wonderful as Mabel, John Reid is fantastic as the Very Model of a Modern Major General, Donald Adams makes a great pirate king & Owen Branigan's Police Sergeant is Superb.
Well worth buying but it is best if accompanied by the libretto so you can get the most of Gilbert's dialogue.

Quality but Staid.......2005-05-30

For newbies: *Pirates* is indeed one of the most pleasurable of the G&S shows. While not the most satirical, not the most ambitious, it is perhaps the most perfectly realized. Particular treat: wonderful music and lyrics for the chorus.

For newbies: the D-Carte Company produced the premieres of the G&S operettas with Gilbert and Sullivan. Until some point well into the 20th c (1980's?) the company performed and recorded the repertory. Thus, there is a rare historical cachet to anything D-Carte.

The Good on this recording: a sly, sonorous, and expressive Police Sgt; sensitive duet singing by Frederick and Mabel; anchoring tempi; a strong chorus.

The Bad on this recording: J. Reed as Major-General is really hard for me to listen to...his instrument is dreadful AND he manages to not be amusing. On the whole I think sounds as if the cast has been performing this show for decades. There is dignity here, but little light or life. I'm not looking for some tarted-up reimagining, but it all strikes me as stodgy.

Solid and Traditional.......2005-05-20

Despite its old production date, the music is loud and clear - no static, scratching, distortion, etc. that you can get some from old productions.

This production is a solid, regular performance. Excellent voices, English accents, original (as far as I know) dialogue, etc. No surprises at all.

I haven't heard the other versions that are available; but this one sets the standard.

The Best of Many, Many Recordings.......2004-03-11

The cast is first-rate. John Reed is in very good form. Owen Brannigan (replacing the usual George Cook) is for me the greatest Sergeant. Brannigan, also found on many of Benjamin Britten's opera recordings, has the bass voice the role requires (I do not feel it should be sung by baritones) and his dialogue remains the standard. I've always enjoyed Donald Adams and his Pirate is also the standard. Potter, Masterson and Palmer are very good.

The ensemble and orchestra conducted by Godfrey create a very exciting, sparkling performance. This is the recording I grew up with and no other has beaten it yet.

All dialogue is included. No updates or major cuts.

Gilbert & Sullivan - The Mikado / WNO · Mackerras
Average customer rating:

disappointing

Well we liked it

Joyous music

My favorite modern recording of The Mikado

Too cautious and mutilated to boot

Gilbert & Sullivan - The Mikado / WNO · Mackerras
Arthur Sullivan , Sir Charles Mackerras , Anthony Rolfe Johnson , Marie McLaughlin , and Welsh National Opera
Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Gilbert & Sullivan: The Pirates of Penzance

Gilbert & Sullivan - The Mikado / Eric Idle, Lesley Garrett, Richard Van Allan, Felicity Palmer, Richard Angas, Bonaventura Bottone, Susan Bullock, English National Opera

ASIN: B000003CXW
Release Date: 1992-02-11

Tracks:

Chorus Of Nobles
Song And Chorus Nanki-Poo
Song Pish-Tush And Chorus
Song Pooh-Bah With Nanki-Poo And Pish-Tush
Recitative Nanki-Poo And Pooh-Bah
Chorus With Solo Ko-Ko
Song Ko-Ko With Chorus Of Nobles
Chorus Of Schoolgirls
Trio Yum-Yum, Peep-Bo And Pitti-Sing With Chorus Of Schoolgirls
The Mikado: Quartet -- Yum-Yum, Peep-Bo, Pitti-Sing, And Pooh-Bah With Chorus Of Schoolgirls
Duet Yum-Yum And Nanki-Poo
Trio Pooh-Bah, Ko-Ko And Pish-Tush
Finale, Act One
Solo Pitti-Sing And Chorus Of Schoolgirls
Song Yum-Yum
Madrigal Yum-Yum, Pitti-Sing, Nanki-Poo, And Pish-Tush
Trio Yum-Yum, Nanki-Poo, And Ko-Ko
Entrance Of Mikado And Katisha
Song Mikado And Chorus
Trio And Chorus Ko-Ko, Pitti-Sing, Pooh-Bah, And Chorus
Quintet Pitti-Sing, Katisha, Ko-Ko, Pooh-Bah, And Mikado
Duet Nanki-Poo And Ko-Ko With Yum-Yum, Pitti-Sing, And Pooh-Bah
Recitative And Song Matisha
Song Ko-Ko
Duet Katisha And Ko-Ko
Finale Act Two

Amazon.com

Regarded by G & S fans as the best of the all the operettas, The Mikado is given a sizzling performance by Sir Charles Mackerras, who--by leaving off the overture (which isn't by Sullivan anyway)-- manages to squeeze the piece onto one CD. He also shortens the "list" song since Gilbert's original features a prominent use of the "N" word, which, not withstanding the fact that he's making fun of people who performed in black-face in the 19th century, isn't worth the trouble it would cause by leaving it in. The singers are real singers; that is, they treat the music with respect and make it sound great. Of course, it is. --David Hurwitz

Customer Reviews:

disappointing.......2007-02-10

While I agree with most of the other reviewers on the quality of musicianship on display here, the spirit of the piece seems to be missing. I cannot truly enjoy a Mikado where the central comedian, Ko-Ko, does not elicit a single chuckle. With the exception of the title character's traditional hyperventilation, there is none of the shading or embellishment that can bring these parts to life. I recently saw a production of The Mikado, so I know it can still generate some excitement. This seems more like a museum piece.

Well we liked it.......2007-01-06

The performance is spirited, the diction is good, the orchestra is on form, it's a very enjoyable recording. Other reviewers have complained about the missing overture and dialogue. We are not alone in thinking the overture "will not be missed" - it's pretty ordinary. Music for the audience to settle down by.

And since we wanted, and got, a recording of the Mikado music, we also don't miss the dialogue, a fair bit of which is really only there to set the scene for a song anyway. If we wanted a recording including all the dialogue we would have looked for one.

In summary: "the Japanese equivalent of 'hear, hear, hear!'".

Joyous music.......2005-10-19

--Gilbert & Sullivan--
William Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan were a match made in heaven, yet on earth their pairing seems even with hindsight a most unlikely coupling. Both were destined for other things, Gilbert in fact for decidedly non-musical careers. Introduced by a mutual friend, Fred Clay, the fledgling lyricist Gilbert met the military-band-leader's son Sullivan and together continued to conspire to inspire the delights of audiences from high Victorian times down to the present, as their work in musical theatre comedy continues to provide merriment throughout the English-speaking world and beyond.

--The Music--
This collection includes most of the 'opera' of The Mikado. The recordings on this collection come from complete performances by Mackerras and the WNO. The Mikado is one of Gilbert & Sullivan's most enduring and endearing pieces. It has warmth and humour as well as the typical Gilbert & Sullivan wit and satire, and is also one of the G&S productions that translates well in to other languages. The performances here are superb, and the only drawback is the few deletions required to get the performance to fit on one CD.

--Sir Charles Mackerras--
Mackerras is one of the geniuses of the twentieth century musical scene. Having a conducting career that includes the Hamburg Opera, the English National Opera (formerly Sadlers Wells Opera), and the Welsh National Opera (the performers for this piece), he has also conducted major orchestras on the continent of Europe and in the United States. The holder of many major awards and honourary doctorates, he has devoted much time and energy to the preservation and performance of eighteenth and nineteenth century music, as well the restoration of historical musical venues, such as the Estates Theatre in Prague, scene of the original production of Don Giovanni (Mackerras conducted the opera there to commemorate the bicentenary of the death of Mozart).

--Welsh National Opera Orchestra and Chorus--
The seeds of the WNO were planted in Cardiff during World War II by music lovers; the first performances occurred a year after the war's end, with Cavalleria rusticana and Pagliacci on the bill, with Faust the next night. Popular appeal was so great that the WNO was established, later adding choruses in both Cardiff and Swansea. The professional chorus was established in 1973, with a strength that matches the orchestra. They continue an ambitious performance schedule for recording and live events; Mackerras remains the Conductor Emeritus, as the WNO continues under the direction of Carlo Rizzi. The list of awards the WNO has won over the years is staggering - they are a world class institution by any measure.

--Other performers--
Notable singers such as Richard Stuart, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Nicholas Folwell, Marie McLaughlin, Anne Howells and Janice Watson fill out the players on this disc. Several are frequent performers with Mackerras and the WNO (for example, Stuart plays Porter on their production of the 'HMS Pinafore').

--Liner Notes--
The liner notes give a good introduction and biographical information about Gilbert and Sullivan, as well a synposis of the opera, and a bit of historical background. It does not, unfortunately, include any information about Mackerras, the WNO Orchestra and Chorus, or the other special performers.

--Overall Impressions--
I play this CD in my car, in my home and in my office frequently. It is a great sing-along work and a great comedic relief from the stresses of the day. The music is bubbly and clear; the recording quality is excellent and crisp. I recommend this to any Gilbert & Sullivan lover, any fan of musical comedy, opera and operettas, and anyone who delights in good music.

My favorite modern recording of The Mikado.......2005-09-12

This is by far the best recording of The Mikado made since 1928. Yes, it has been shortened a bit by omitting the Overture and removing one verse of the "List" song. But the Overture wasn't even written by Sullivan, so you're not missing that much.

The reason this performance is so wonderful is that it harkens back to the original tempi and spirit of the old D'Oyly Carte Company. If you listen (as I have) to all of the famous recordings of The Mikado, you will notice that, over time, The Mikado has become stodgy. What started as a light, fun, musical entertainment has been transformed into "classical music." This is a shame, because the piece is so much fun.

Sir Charles Mackerras has not only re-invigorated The Mikado, he has dug deeply into the score and found many examples of Sir Arthur Sullivan's wit and skill that are missed by most conductors. His rendition of the madrigal is particularly charming.

Speaking as a man who is about to conduct this wonderful work himself, I whole-heartedly recommend you buy it and give it a careful listen.

Too cautious and mutilated to boot.......2005-06-13

The good: Excellent recorded sound, fine choral singing and the very welcome presence of old pro Donald Adams.

The mediocre: The cast, except for Adams, of course, is far too cautious and precise. This is particularly true of the Ko-Ko and Pooh-Bah. The recording sounds like a concert. It is almost wholly lacking in give-and-take and the excitement of a real performance. (I suspect that a carefully followed score was in front of every soloist, right next to each microphone.)

The downright awful: "The Mikado" has about 85 minutes of music. In order to squeeze it onto a single disk, the gimmick of this series, the overture was jettisoned, as well as the middle verse of Ko-Ko's "Little List" song. The net effect to one who is familiar with this brilliant work, is like watching a Miss America contestant who has lost two front teeth. Try as one may, it just can't be ignored.

There are several versions of "The Mikado" available. They may be identified by the Ko-Kos on each: Martyn Green, Henry Lytton, John Reed, even Eric Idle of Monty Python fame. Each is complete. None is particularly expensive. (The excellent Green version from the 1950s on Naxos is just plain cheap, compared to this one.) All have more life than this "Mikado."

Topsy-Turvy - The Music of Gilbert & Sullivan: From the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Average customer rating:

Here's a How-De-Do!
Topsy-Turvy is TOPS!!!
Superb
Better than many a G&S non-sountrack
Put on the CD, close your eyes and...

Topsy-Turvy - The Music of Gilbert & Sullivan: From the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Manufacturer: Sony
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Binding: Audio CD

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Topsy-Turvy
The Ultimate Gilbert & Sullivan Collection
Gilbert & Sullivan - Highlights from The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance, H.M.S. Pinafore, The Yeomen of the Guard, Trial of Jury
Gilbert & Sullivan - H.M.S. Pinafore / Trial By Jury - David Hobson, Anthony Warlow, Colette Mann, Tiffany Speight, John Bolton Wood, Richard Alexander, Opera Australia, State Theatre, The Arts Centre Melbourne
Gilbert & Sullivan; The Mikado

ASIN: B000034CYZ
Release Date: 1999-12-07

Tracks:

'The Mikado': Behold! The Lord High Executioner - Carl Davis
'The Mikado': Overture - Carl Davis
'The Mikado': Three Little Maids From School Are We - Dorothy Atkinson/Shirley Henderson/Cathy Sara
'Princess Ida': Overture - Carl Davis
'Princess Ida': If You Give Me Your Attention - Martin Savage
'The Grand Duke': Paris Galop - Carl Davis
'The Mikado': Mi-Ya Sa-Ma/A More Humane Mikado - Louise Gold/Timothy Spall
'The Sorcerer': But Soft.../Why, Where Be Oi? - Shirley Henderson/Kevin McKidd/Martin Savage
'The Yeomen Of The Guard': Alone - Carl Davis
'The Mikado': The Criminal Cried As He Dropped Him Down - Dorothy Atkinson/Vincent Franklin/Martin Savage
'The Yeomen Of The Guard': Overture - Carl Davis
'The Mikado': A Wand'ring Minstrel I - Kevin McKidd/Michael Simkins
'The Mikado': The Sun Whose Rays Are All Ablaze - Shirley Henderson
End Titles ('The Pirates Of Penzance'/'The Grand Duke') - Carl Davis
'The Sorcerer': Incantation - Shirley Henderson/Kevin McKidd/Martin Savage
'The Gondoliers': The Fitting - Ian Balmain
The Lost Chord - Eleanor David/John Constable/Shelagh Sutherland
'The Mikado': The Mikado: Finale, Act Two - Dorothy Atkinson/Vincent Franklin/Louise Gold/Shirley Henderson/Kevin McKidd/Cathy Sara...
'The Long Day Closes': Resolutions - Carl Davis

Amazon.com

The producers of Mike Leigh's vibrant Topsy-Turvy took many big studio meetings seeking financing for their film. Word has it all went swimmingly until time for the pitch came--there are apparently no two words as unsettling to Hollywood film execs as "Gilbert & Sullivan." But the studio system's loss turned out to be the indie film's--and our--gain. Leigh's film brought the composers' late-19th-century mounting of their breakthrough The Mikado to an all-too-familiar life, filled with as many neuroses, foibles, and fragile egos as any modern Broadway musical. The film's score, an inviting pastiche adapted from Mikado (and other G&S staples) by veteran Carl Davis, may upset purists with its time-conscious liberties. But then, it might just win over a receptive yet unexposed new audience for whom this music may seem strangely familiar, as well it should: this is where modern musical theater began. --Jerry McCulley

Customer Reviews:

Here's a How-De-Do!.......2007-02-22

It's brilliant, really! I am a self-confessed Gilbert and Sullivan fanatic, and so the release of this soundtrack to accompany a truly delightful movie provided me with an "Oh, joy! Oh, rapture!" moment ... many of them, actually! To hear some of my favorite tunes from some of my favorite G & S operetti performed so well makes my heart "sing-o" - and me, too!

Topsy-Turvy is TOPS!!!.......2007-02-21

This is Gilbert and Sullivan like you will never hear again! These performances are so fresh and alive with comedy flourish that my formerly "purist" ears reveled in delight at this magnificeant rendition of these great operettas.It is wonderful to hear excerpts from PRINCESS IDA,IOLANTHE and SORCERER (as well as THE MIKADO) when so many recordings already exist of the other G&S chestnuts,PINAFORE and PIRATES OF PENZANCE.
The actual cd itself fills the speakers and is a true listener's dream.A great soundtrack of a great film.Wonderfully recorded by SONY.

Superb.......2005-02-25

This is a fantastic cd, one that I have listened to many many times without growing tired of it. The particularly nice thing about this cd for lovers of the movie is that you get to hear the entire performance for many songs which are necessarily cut short in the film, most enjoyably "A Wandring Minstrel I". As has been noted in other reviews, the vocal performances are not what you will typically find in other G & S recordings: they are far less burdened with mannered belle canto nonsense, to their immense benefit. And I must disagree with one reviewer who disparaged the staging as portrayed in the film. My wife and I saw a touring production of the Mikado which used the costumes and set from the movie, and it was fantastic. Even better, the performers seemed to take some cues from the film actors too, singing and performing in a way that was much more accessible and not a bit less pleasing.

Better than many a G&S non-sountrack.......2003-09-16

I was compelled to get this after seeing the overlong, flawed, but nonetheless all-around amazing 'Topsy Turvy'. (Seriously - almost every supporting actor in the film deserved an Oscar, and Jim Broadbent was robbed; his Gilbert is magnificent and real.)
Inspired then to hear a true G&S performance, I bought several Carte recordings. What broke my heart is that the genuine Savoy performances are not as good as those of the 'Topsy' actors! Contrary to a review here, the articulation is just dandy. And the tenor in 'Wand'ring Minstrel' alone is far, far superior to the thin, reedy, annoying versions on the several concert cds I've heard. As is the riveting soprano on the beautiful 'The Sun Whose Rays...' of 'Topsy'; again, the actual Savoy recordings are merely shrill in comparison.
I remove one star only because of the necessarily abbreviated performances here.

Put on the CD, close your eyes and..........2003-03-02

You are back in the Savoy Theater in Victorian England, watching a Gilbert and Sullivan production of the Mikado, or Yeoman of the Guard, or the Sorcerer, or Princess Ida. The qualiity of the music is superb, the voices are wonderful and I only wish I could have videos of all the G&S productions to watch along with the music.

Buy the DVD of Topsy-Turvy if you don't already own it. It's magnificent. See my other review.

The Ultimate Gilbert & Sullivan Collection
Average customer rating:

Well worth the price

Not Exactly "The Ultimate" Collection...

Where's the chicks?!?!

Not quite the ultimate....

Great Music - Questionable Selection

The Ultimate Gilbert & Sullivan Collection
Arthur Sullivan , Isidore Godfrey , Royston Nash , New Symphony Orchestra of London , Royal Philharmonic Orchestra , Colin Wright , Donald Adams , George Cook , Gillian Knight , Jean Hindmarsh , Jeffrey Skitch , John Ayldon , John Reed , Joyce Wright , Kenneth Sandford , Lyndsie Holland , Owen Brannigan , Pauline Wales , Peggy Ann Jones , Thomas Round , Valerie Masterson , and D'Oyly Carte Opera Company
Manufacturer: Decca
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Best of Gilbert & Sullivan

Gilbert & Sullivan - Highlights from The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance, H.M.S. Pinafore, The Yeomen of the Guard, Trial of Jury

Topsy-Turvy - The Music of Gilbert & Sullivan: From the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

Topsy-Turvy

The Best of Gilbert & Sullivan

ASIN: B000007OU0
Release Date: 1998-06-09

Tracks:

H.M.S. Pinafore: We Shall Sail The Ocean Blue
H.M.S. Pinafore: I'm Called Little Buttercup
H.M.S. Pinafore: My Galant Crew, Good Morning
H.M.S. Pinafore: I'm The Monarch Of The Sea
H.M.S. Pinafore: When I Was A Lad
H.M.S. Pinafore: Nevermind The Why And Wherefore
H.M.S. Pinafore: Kind Captain, I've Important Information
H.M.S. Pinafore: Carefully On Tip - Toe Stealing
H.M.S. Pinafore: For He Is An Englishman
The Pirates Of Penzance: I Am The Very Model Of A Modern Major - General
The Pirates Of Penzance: When A Felon's Not Engaged In His Employment
The Pirates Of Penzance: With Cat Like Tread
The Sorcerer: My Name Is John Wellinton Wells
The Gondoliers: Take A Pair Of Sparkling Eyes
Patience: If You're Anxious To Shine
The Mikado: If You Want To Know Who We Are
The Mikado: A Wand'ring Minstrel I
The Mikado: Behold The Lord High Executioner
The Mikado: As Someday It May Happen
The Mikado: Three Little Maids From School Are We
The Mikado: The Sun Whose Rays Are All Ablaze
The Mikado: Here's A How - De - Do!
The Mikado: From Ev'ry Kind Of Man Obedience I Expect
The Mikado: A More Humane Mikado Never Did In Japan Exist
The Mikado: The Criminal Cried As He Dropp'd Him Down
The Mikado: The Flowers That Bloom In The Spring, Tra La
The Mikado: On A Tree By A River A Little Tom Tit
The Mikado: There Is Beauty In The Bellow Of The Blast
The Mikado: For He's Gone And Married Yum-Yum

Customer Reviews:

Well worth the price.......2006-04-13

I love this CD. No, despite its name it is not the "ultimate" collection, as scarcely could be expected from a single CD. It is heavy on Mikado, as others have stated. It leaves out things I would have included and includes things I would have left out. But the performances are wonderful, traditional and all you expect from G&S. Considering the low price, it is well worth including in your G&S collection ... as PART of your collection. After the disappointment of the godawful Opera World video series (Don't buy it!) this CD is a joy and a relief.

Not Exactly "The Ultimate" Collection..........2004-12-23

It seems that a collection of Gilbert & Sullivan music that has the name "The Ultimate Collection" in its title would boast a wide range of music, but I found the selection disappointing. Half of the tracks are songs from The Mikado, and the other half is divided between five... yes, FIVE other operettas. This means that the representation from each operetta is awfully scant. I would have liked to see less Mikado and more of everything else, and perhaps some highlights from the more obscure operettas (Princess Ida and The Sorcerer, namely).

In addition, while most of the music is very well performed, some of the vocalists either go a bit overboard or, at the very opposite end, seem to lack expression. For example, this Nanki-Poo (in The Mikado) seems to be overly occupied with vibrato. Katisha's voice is annoying, and The Mikado's low voice often seems to lack feeling and humor. The other idiosyncracies, like the very frightening evil laughing during "A More Humane Mikado" and hissing during "Three Little Maids" really bug me.

Then again, I'm new to Gilbert and Sullivan, and was introduced to the music through the Topsy Turvy soundtrack, which has a noticeably less operatic style, and hardly includes "stage noise"... so perhaps all this is the norm. Do listen to the tracks for yourself, though, before you purchase the CD. Personally, I find that the Topsy Turvy soundtrack, while considerably less ecompassing, is much lighthearted and easier listening.

Where's the chicks?!?!.......2003-05-15

It wouldn't be G&S if not for the ladies - so where are they? How could they leave out Mabel's aria - or Josephine's!? The only female aria included on this disc comes from Mikado, which is the least exciting (if G&S could be un-exciting) of the three! Everything else on the recording is great, but I am still quite disappointed.

Not quite the ultimate...........2002-03-25

This is a great collection, but unfortunately it doesn't have songs from all the works of G&S. Most notably, there is nothing from the "Yeoman of the Guard". I still reccommed it however as John Reed is wonderful!!

Great Music - Questionable Selection.......2002-02-05

It's an ongoing challenge to find a recording of Gilbert and Sullivan that combines premium musicality and great theatrical performance. This recording is a true gem on both fronts. My only complaint is that for a "Best of" collection, this compilation is Mikado-heavy and scarcely touches on highlights from other masterpieces, particularly The Pirates of Penzance. This would be my favorite G&S CD of all time, of only it included tracks like "When the Foeman Bares his Steel," "Poor Wand'ring One," and "Dry the Glist'ning Tear," but then again, I guess there's no real consensus as to which are Gilbert and Sullivan's best works, and there are too many to fit on one CD.

Average customer rating:

Observations from a novice
Outstanding
Underwhelming Mikado, but that's still pretty good overall
MODERN VERSION - Not original lyrics
Better Than G&S?

Gilbert & Sullivan; The Mikado
Arthur Sullivan , John Pryce-Jones , and D'Oyly Carte Opera Company
Manufacturer: Sony
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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Gilbert & Sullivan: Iolanthe
The Mikado Vocal Score (Dover Vocal Scores)
Gilbert & Sullivan: The Gondoliers
Gilbert & Sullivan: The Pirates of Penzance
Phase 4 Stereo: Gilbert & Sullivan: HMS Pinafore / D'Oyly Carte Opera Company

ASIN: B0000029KF
Release Date: 1993-10-19

Tracks:

The Mikado: Act One: Overture
The Mikado: Act One: If You Want To Know Who We Are
The Mikado: Act One: A Wand'ring Minstrel I
The Mikado: Act One: Our Great Mikado, Virtuous Man
The Mikado: Act One: Young Man, Despair, Likewise Go To
The Mikado: Act One: And Have I Journey'd For A Month
The Mikado: Act One: Behold The Lord High Executioner
The Mikado: Act One: As Some Day It May Happen
The Mikado: Act One: Comes A Train Of Little Ladies
The Mikado: Act One: Three Little Maids From School
The Mikado: Act One: So Please You, Sir, We Much Regret
The Mikado: Act One: Were You Not To Ko-Ko Plighted
The Mikado: Act One: I Am So Proud
The Mikado: Act One: Finale Act One

Tracks:

The Mikado: Act Two: Braid The Raven Hair
The Mikado: Act Two: The Sun, Whose Rays Are All Ablaze
The Mikado: Act Two: Brightly Dawns Our Wedding Day
The Mikado: Act Two: Here's A How-De-Do! If I Marry You
The Mikado: Act Two: Mi-Ya-Sa-Ma, Mi-Ya-Sa-Ma
The Mikado: Act Two: A More Humane Mikado Never Did In Japan Exist
The Mikado: Act Two: The Criminal Cried As He Dropped Him Down
The Mikado: Act Two: See How The Fates Their Gifts Allot
The Mikado: Act Two: The Flowers That Bloom In The Spring
The Mikado: Act Two: Alone, And Yet Alive
The Mikado: Act Two: On A Tree By A River
The Mikado: Act Two: There Is Beauty In The Bellow Of The Blast
The Mikado: Act Two: Finale Act Two

Customer Reviews:

Observations from a novice.......2007-01-25

I have only recently come to light opera, and cannot therefore speak to the excellence of this performance The Mikado in reference to other recordings and other casts. However, it may be that some who read these reviews are looking for their first recording of the Mikado, and my impressions may have some relevance to such individuals.

There are, in my opinion, two major problems that confront the listener who is unfamiliar with this work: the lack of a libretto and the omission of the dialog. One should know better than to listen to an opera without first having gone through the libretto, mea culpa on that account; but it is in modern English, for crying out loud. I should be able to follow it. Not so, I fear. Omission of the dialog makes it difficult for one who does not know the opera by heart to follow the story. The modernized lyrics were also a source of puzzlement; did he say `yuppy'? The result is distraction. So if, like me, you are looking for your first recording of the Mikado, I submit that this one is lovely. But go to the web and download the libretto, and be prepared for the fact that large sections of the original text have been deleted and some of the lyrics have been changed, presumably to `modernize' the presentation. Once I got past these issues, I found this performance to be delightful.

Outstanding.......2006-01-16

This is the definitive Mikado, or at least as close as it gets. The voices are superb - Nanki-Poo in particular has a lovely strong tenor - the pacing excellent, and the diction clear. My only quibbles are the lack of dialogue and the "updating" of the list song. Although such modernization is usually tolerable in a live production, it is less forgivable in a recording. Verses about Walkmans may have been amusing in 1990, but in 2006 they are jarring rather than fresh. In a recording that will stand the test of time, I'd rather have the anachronisms of 1885 than 1985. (Minus the racism and anti-Semitism.) However, since most Mikados suffer from this flaw, it's best to overlook it here and focus on the rest of the songs, which are superbly executed.

Underwhelming Mikado, but that's still pretty good overall.......2005-10-13

I'll cut to the chase and assume you're familiar with the opera.

In most good performances I've attended, the runaway most entertaining character - and the best character in all of G&Sdom - is Koko. More than any other character, it is critical that he come off as energetic, neurotic, panicky, whiny, and above all else, hilarious. This Koko was weak, weak and bland. At times, I even had a hard time distinguishing between him and Nanki-Poo (the horror!). You can't have a weak Koko and a great opera together.

A smaller gripe, though one that's possibly understandable, is that Pooh-Bah likewise came off as bland, implying none of the conceit and pettyness we all (should) love him for. What makes this potentially understandable is that Pooh-Bah's strength is in the dialogue, which is not featured in this CD. Still, his "born smirking" attitude is not well conveyed in his singing, which is a shame.

Overall, I would rate this as an "average" Mikado. Everything else about the production was quite good, but without the dialogue, and with a weak Koko, there's really none of the humour that lies at the heart of The Mikado. It's still pleasant to listen to, but I cannot consider this to be a definitive version, unlike the similar D'Oyly Carte/John Pryce-Jones recordings of Pirates of Penzance and Iolanthe.

MODERN VERSION - Not original lyrics.......2004-12-26

Well, the best thing about Amazon is the reviews posted for each item. I should've looked at the reviews before buying this one! It is a very well produced version/album, but I am a Gilbert & Sullivan purist and was displeased to see some of the lyrics changes. To find that "the Lady Novelist" had been taken of "The List" and replaced with someone else was horrifying! :)

If you're not a purist like me and some of the others here, this version is great, but I miss the original lyrics and I don't reccomend this album to others like me!

Better Than G&S?.......2004-05-23

I sometimes wonder about those who think they know better than the composer and lyricist. Seems to me that Gilbert & Sullivan were pretty damned good at what they did. But here come the producers of this recording and they think that they should update and alter the original work. Music altered, lyrics made more "modern" and, in certain cases, words simply changed. Why? Who gave anyone the right to play God and rewrite the Mikado?

I realize that the work is in the public domain. But that does not give these people ther ight to do what they did. The recoding SAYS D'Oily Carte. But don't believe it for a moment. The old chap is turning over in his grave. Don't buy this garbage. Find a recording that respects the work as it was intended to be.

Gilbert & Sullivan - Highlights from The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance, H.M.S. Pinafore, The Yeomen of the Guard, Trial of Jury
Average customer rating:

The Best Of Gilbert And Sullivan

Pure delight

Delicious G&S samplings abound here.

Fine Intro to G&S

Gilbert & Sullivan - Highlights from The Mikado, The Pirates of Penzance, H.M.S. Pinafore, The Yeomen of the Guard, Trial of Jury
Nicholas Folwell , Arthur Sullivan , Marie McLaughlin , Rebecca Evans , Anthony Rolfe Johnson , John Mark Ainsley , Alwyn Mellor , Anne Howells , Barry Banks , Eric Garrett , Felicity Palmer , Gareth Rhys Davies , Janice Watson , Julie Gossage , Neill Archer , Pamela Helen Stephen , Peter Savidge , Richard Stuart , Richard Suart , Richard Van Allan , Sir Thomas Allen [baritone] , Sir Charles Mackerras , and Welsh National Opera
Manufacturer: Telarc
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

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The Ultimate Gilbert & Sullivan Collection

Topsy-Turvy - The Music of Gilbert & Sullivan: From the Original Motion Picture Soundtrack

The Complete Annotated Gilbert & Sullivan

The Best of Gilbert & Sullivan

The Gilbert and Sullivan Overtures

ASIN: B000003D1Y
Release Date: 1996-01-23

Tracks:

A Wandering Minstrel I
Behold The Lord High Executioner!
Three Little Maids From School Are We
Braid The Raven Hair
The Flowers That Bloom In The Spring
On A Tree By A River, A Little Tom-tit Sang, 'Willow, Tit-willow'
For He's Gone And Married Yum-Yum
We Sail The Ocean Blue
I'm Called Little Buttercup
My Gallant Crew
When I Was A Lad
Things Are Seldom What They Seem
Never Mind The Why And Wherefore
Climbing Over Rocky Mountain
Poor Wand'ring One
How Beautifully Blue The Sky
I Am The Very Model Of A Modern Major-General
When The Foeman Bares His Steel
Ah, Leave Me Not To Pine
With Cat-Like Tread
Is Life A Boon?
I Have A Song To Sing, O!
Were I Thy Bride
Oh, A Private Buffoon Is A Light-Hearted Loon
When A Wooer Goes A-Wooing
When I, Good Friends, Was Called To The Bar
A Nice Dilemma We Have Here
Oh, Joy Unbounded

Customer Reviews:

The Best Of Gilbert And Sullivan.......2004-03-15

At the end of the 19th century (1870's, 80's and 90's) the compatible duo of librettist and composer Gilbert and Sullivan popularized the pre-Broadway entertainment of Savoy opera. These were light operas or operettas whose content was satire and comedy, full of bouncy melodies and beautiful singing, highly entertaining theatrical works staged at London's Savoy theatre. Gilbert and Sullivan did not always get along and in fact there was a time when they ended their professional relationship because personal conflicts surfaced. But they managed to create the world's most beloved light operas, over 40 of them. Their most famous are what I call the Big Three- The H.M.S. Pinafore, The Pirates Of Penzance and The Mikado. Other works include their first hit Trial By Jury, The Yeomen Of The Guard, Princess Ida, The Gondoliers, Patience and several others. A standard signature of Gilbert and Sullivan was in the colorful cast- a comic actor with a special kind of baritone voice, a canary-like and sweet-voiced coloratura or lyric diva, a mezzo soprano with strong chest register and a lyric tenor as the romantic hero. On this album, English conductor Sir Charles Mackerras, a popular figure in the classical music scene and opera, guides the Chorus and Orchestra Of the Welsh National Opera in generally well-delivered performances of excerpts from the operas The Mikado, The H.M.S. Pinafore, The Pirates Of Penzance, Yeomen Of The Guard and Trial By Jury. Although I feel that the recordings made by the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, with Isodore Godfrey conducting and starring the best cast of the Gilbert and Sullivan repertoire- the singers of the 60's and 70's- tenor Phillip Potter, soprano Valerie Masterson, baritone John Reed, Donald Adams and mezzo soprano Christine Palmer. Their version of the Pirates Of Penzance and the Mikado far outshine the Welsh National Opera in technical mastery and vibrant tone color.

But these are fine excerpts. Especially appealing is the famous and cheerful "Three Little Maids From School Are We", a trio that imitates Japanese style melody. Most of the Mikado does this, for it was inspired by Japanisme or the new fashion in Victorian England- everything Japanese, from prints to paintings to poetry. Gilbert and Sullivan simply "Japanized" their English operettas. The Finale "For He's Gone To Marry Yum Yum" is an ebullient and pleasant finale. Not featured here is the domineering and powerful Katisha, a figure who stands out in the Mikado.

The H.M.S. Pinafore is Gilbert and Sullivan's most popular work. The sea chanty "We Sail The Ocean Blue" opens the opera with appropriate atmosphere and it seems to fit perfectly with the other scene in which the Captain greets his crew and they sing his praises "My Gallant Crew..I am the Captain Of The Pinafore". A beautiful melody that seems to come out of a romantic Offenbach tune is "I"m Called Little Buttercup". The finale, not featured here, is also very engaging "For He Is An Englishman" which can almost resemble a British national anthem. The Yeomen Of The Guard was Gilbert and Sullivan's "serious opera" eventhough it remains very Savoyard. The plot deals with Tudor England and takes place at the London Tower. "I have a song to sing" makes use of what can be taken for an English ballad of the Renaissance. Trial By Jury, about the eccentric and hilarious activity of a court trial, has a sextet that although different in composition, has the sextet "Che Mi Frena" from Donizetti's Lucia Di Lammermoor in mind. All in all, an excellent recording sure to delight young and old.

Pure delight.......2003-08-02

--The Music--
This collection includes highlights from five of the most popular Gilbert & Sullivan operettas: The Mikado, HMS Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance, The Yeoman of the Guard, and Trial by Jury. The arrangements and orchestrations are delightfully energetic and clear; the characterisation and vocal qualities of the leads are perfect for their roles. The haughty if misplaced Lord of the Admiralty has the perfect combination of insecurity and pompous officiousness. The Plaintiff and the Defendant in the Trial are perfectly cast. This is a collection of highlights - at least three but no more than seven songs each, but this gives a good flavour of the music. The recordings on this collection come from complete performances by Mackerras and the WNO.

--Sir Charles Mackerras--
Mackerras is one of the geniuses of the twentieth century musical scene. Having a conducting career that includes the Hamburg Opera, the English National Opera (formerly Sadlers Wells Opera), and the Welsh National Opera (the performers for this piece), he has also conducted major orchestras on the continent of Europe and in the United States. The holder of many major awards and honourary doctorates, he has devoted much time and energy to the preservation and performance of eighteenth and nineteenth century music, as well the restoration of historical musical venues, such as the Estates Theatre in Prague, scene of the original production of Don Giovanni (Mackerras conducted the opera there to commemorate the bicentenary of the death of Mozart).

--Welsh National Opera Orchestra and Chorus--
The seeds of the WNO were planted in Cardiff during World War II by music lovers; the first performances occurred a year after the war's end, with Cavalleria rusticana and Pagliacci on the bill, with Faust the next night. Popular appeal was so great that the WNO was established, later adding choruses in both Cardiff and Swansea. The professional chorus was established in 1973, with a strength that matches the orchestra. They continue an ambitious performance schedule for recording and live events; Mackerras remains the Conductor Emeritus, as the WNO continues under the direction of Carlo Rizzi. The list of awards the WNO has won over the years is staggering - they are a world class institution by any measure.

--Other performers--
Notable singers such as Richard Stuart, Rebecca Evans, Felicity Palmer, John Mark Ainsley and Anne Howells lead the chorus with stunning vocals and clever characterisations of the parts they play. Many (such as Stuart and Evans) play the leading roles across several of the pieces of the disc.

--Liner Notes--
The liner notes give a good introduction and biographical information about Gilbert and Sullivan, as well as synopses of the five pieces presented here. It does not, unfortunately, include any information about Mackerras, the WNO Orchestra and Chorus, or the other special performers. It also does not include the lyrics to the songs. Were the quality of the CD not so great, this might cost it a star in rating.

--Overall Impressions--
I play this CD in my car, in my home and in my office frequently. It is a great sing-along work and a great comedic relief from the stresses of the day. The music is bubbly and clear; the recording quality is excellent and crisp. I recommend this to any Gilbert & Sullivan lover, any fan of musical comedy, opera and operettas, and anyone who delights in good music.

Delicious G&S samplings abound here........2003-05-06

The first thing I should be saying is "What an infectuous G&S CD." Indeed this is, with this fine sampling of the peppy and bright Mackerras series. I know I have praised its "Mercedes-Benz quality" elsewhere on these pages, but that doesn't stop me from saying that everyone is in fine voice. This generously filled CD may only focus on five operas, but at least you can savour a reasonable choice sampling of delights from each one. Of particular interest is Richard Suart's patter-baritone parts and the soaring lyric soprano of Rebecca Evans. The selection on this disc is filled with a mixture of familiar favourites and lesser-known gems such as the female choruses in Mikado and Pirates. Mackerras is a true G&S conductor, but one who always springs rhythms crisply, and adopts peppy tempo for the fast bits. The one drawback is that this selection is far too infectuous that you'll want to shell out money to buy the full 5-CD Mackerras cycle - an incredible bargain with most of the operas fitted onto one disc each. But still, this is at least a decent G&S sampling for beginners, capped with Steven Ledbetter's copious liner notes. It will leave you wanting to say "dammit I'm going to play it again."

Fine Intro to G&S.......2000-12-30

This is the perfect CD for those who may not be familiar with G&S, or for the initiated who want a smattering but don't have the mother of all CD changers. The difficulty with any G&S Greatest Hits CD is determining which pieces to leave off; while one could easily point to any number equally good bits, it would be difficult to argue about the quality of the choices included. The only problem, such as it is, is that after listening to it I am usually induced to go back and listen to the whole opera anyway. The Mackerras recordings are uniformly excellent. I have read elsewhere the criticism that they are too 'operatic' for light opera. If by this it is meant that the singers are too good, then I leave it to the discretion of the listener when the singing becomes too good to be enjoyable.

Average customer rating:

Not the best sung but among the best in characterization

Operas of Gilbert and Sullivan

Manufacturer: Avid Records UK
ProductGroup: Music
Binding: Audio CD

Ballets | Ballets & Dances | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Classical | Styles | Music

General | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

Operettas | Opera & Vocal | Styles | Music

General | Soundtracks | Styles | Music
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The Complete Annotated Gilbert & Sullivan
Gilbert & Sullivan - Patience / Douglas, Olsen, Warlow, Australian Opera
The Complete Plays of Gilbert and Sullivan
The Complete Gilbert & Sullivan (Box Set)

ASIN: B0001E5U8C
Release Date: 2004-04-20

Tracks:

HMS Pianfore: Overture
HMS Pinafore, Act One: We Sail the Ocean Blue
HMS Pinafore, Act One: Hail, Men O' War's Men
HMS Pinafore, Act One: I'm Called Little Buttercup
HMS Pinafore, Act One: But Tell Me, Who's the Youth
HMS Pinafore, Act One: The Nightingale Sighed for the Moon's ...
HMS Pinafore, Act One: A Maiden Fair to See
HMS Pinafore, Act One: My Gallant Crew, Good Morning
HMS Pinafore, Act One: I Am the Captain of the Pianfore
HMS Pinafore, Act One: Sir, You Are Sad
HMS Pinafore, Act One: Sorry Her Lot Who Loves Too Well
HMS Pinafore, Act One: Over the Bright Blue Sea
HMS Pinafore, Act One: I Am the Monarch of the Sea
HMS Pinafore, Act One: When I Was a Lad I Served a Term
HMS Pinafore, Act One: A British Tar Is a Soaring Soul
HMS Pinafore, Act One: Refrain, Audacious Tar
HMS Pinafore, Act One: Can I Survive This Overbearing?
HMS Pinafore, Act One: Oh Joy, Oh Rapture Unforeseen
HMS Pinafore, Act One: This Very Night
HMS Pinafore, Act One: Let's Give Three Cheers
HMS Pinafore, Act One: Entr'acte
HMS Pinafore, Act Two: Fair Moon to Thee I Sing
HMS Pinafore, Act Two: Things Are Seldom What They Seem
HMS Pinafore, Act Two: The Hours Creep on Apace
HMS Pinafore, Act Two: Never Mind the Why and Wherefore
HMS Pinafore, Act Two: Kind Captain, I've Important Information
HMS Pinafore, Act Two: Carefully on Tiptoe Stealing
HMS Pinafore, Act Two: Pretty Daughter of Mine
HMS Pinafore, Act Two: He Is an Englishman
HMS Pinafore, Act Two: In Uttering a Reprobation
HMS Pinafore, Act Two: Farewell My Own
HMS Pinafore, Act Two: A Many Years Ago
HMS Pinafore, Act Two: Oh Joy, Oh Rapture Unforeseen

Tracks:

Ruddigore: Overture
Ruddigore, Act One: Fair Is Rose as Bright May Day
Ruddigore, Act One: Sir Rupert Murgatroyd
Ruddigore, Act One: If Somebody There Chacned to Be
Ruddigore, Act One: I Know a Youth Who Loves a Little Maid
Ruddigore, Act One: From the Briny Sea
Ruddigore, Act One: I Shipp'd d'Ye See, In a Revenue Sloop
Ruddigore, Act One: My Boy, You May Take It from Me
Ruddigore, Act One: If Well His Suit Has Sped
Ruddigore, Act One: In Sailing O'er Life's Ocean Wide
Ruddigore, Act One: Cheerily Carols the Lark
Ruddigore, Act One: To a Garden Fulls of Posies
Ruddigore, Act One: Welcome Gentry for Your Entry
Ruddigore, Act One: Oh, Why Am I Moody and Sad?
Ruddigore, Act One: You Understand?
Ruddigore, Act One: Hail the Bride of Seventeen Summers
Ruddigore, Act One: When the Buds Are Blossoming
Ruddigore, Act One: Hold, Bride and Bridegroom
Ruddigore, Act One: Oh, Happy the Lily
Ruddigore, Act Two: I Once Was as Meek as a New-Born Lamb
Ruddigore, Act Two: Happily Coupled Are We
Ruddigore, Act Two: In Bygone Days I Hade Thy Love
Ruddigore, Act Two: Painted Emblems of a Race
Ruddigore, Act Two: When the Night Wind Howls
Ruddigore, Act Two: He Yields! He Yields!
Ruddigore, Act Two: I Once Was a Very Abandoned Person
Ruddigore, Act Two: My Eyes Are Fully Open
There Grew a Little Flower
Ruddigore, Act Two: Oh, Happy the Lily

Tracks:

Patience: Overture
Patience, Act One: Twenty Lovesick Maidens We
Patience, Act One: Still Brooding on Their Mad Infatuation
Patience, Act One: I Cannot Tell What This Love May Be
Patience, Act One: The Soldiers of Our Queen
Patience, Act One: In a Doleful Train...Twenty Lovesick Maidens We
Patience, Act One: When I First Put This Uniform On
Patience, Act One: Am I Alone and Unoberved?
Patience, Act One: Long Years Ago, Fourteen Maybe
Patience, Act One: Prithee Pretty Maiden
Patience, Act One: Let the Merry Cymbals Sound
Patience, Act One: Now Tell Us, We Pray You
Patience, Act One: Your Maiden Hearts
Patience, Act One: Come Walk Up and Purchase With Avidity
Patience, Act One: True Love Must Single-Hearted Be
Patience, Act One: I Hear the Soft Note...But Who Is This?
Patience, Act Two: Sad Is That Woman's Lot
Patience, Act Two: Turn, Oh Turn in This Direction
Patience, Act Two: A Magnet Hung in Hardware Shop
Patience, Act Two: Love Is a Plaintive Song
Patience, Act Two: So Go to Him and Say to Him
Patience, Act Two: It's Clear That Medieval Art Alone Retains Its Zest
Patience, Act Two: If Saphir I Choose to Marry
Patience, Act Two: When I Go Out of Door
Patience, Act Two: I'm a Waterloo House Young Man
Patience, Act Two: After Much Debate Internal
Mikado: Overture

Tracks:

Mikado, Act One: If You Want to Know Who We Are
Mikado, Act One: Gentlemen, I Pray You Tell Me
Mikado, Act One: A Wand'ring Minstrel, I
Mikado, Act One: Our Great Mikado, Virtuous Man
Mikado, Act One: Young Man, Despair
Mikado, Act One: And Have I Journey'd for a Month
Mikado, Act One: Behold the Lord High Executioner!
Mikado, Act One: As Some Day It May Happen
Mikado, Act One: Comes a Train of Little Ladies
Mikado, Act One: Three Little Maids from School
Mikado, Act One: So Please You, Sir, We Much Regret
Mikado, Act One: Were You Not Ko-Ko Plighted?
Mikado, Act One: I Am So Proud
Mikado, Act One: With Aspect Stern
Mikado, Act One: Your Revels Cease!
Mikado, Act One: The Hour of Gladness
Mikado, Act Two: Braid the Raven Hair
Mikado, Act Two: The Sun, Whose Rays Are All Ablaze
Mikado, Act Two: Brightly Dawns Our Wedding Day
Mikado, Act Two: Here's a How-De-Do!
Mikado, Act Two: Miya Sama, Miya Sama
Mikado, Act Two: A More Humane Mikado
Mikado, Act Two: The Criminal Cried
Mikado, Act Two: See How the Fates Their Gifts Allot
Mikado, Act Two: The Flowers That Bloom in the Spring
Mikado, Act Two: Alone, And Yet Alive!
Mikado, Act Two: Hearts Do Not Break
Mikado, Act Two: On a Tree by a River a Little Tom-Tit
Mikado, Act Two: There Is Beauty in the Bellow of the Blast
Mikado, Act Two: For He's Gone and Married Yum-Yum

Tracks:

Trial by Jury: Hark the Hour of Ten Is Sounding
Trial by Jury: Now, Jurymen, Hear My Advice
Trial by Jury: Is This the Court of the Exchequer?
Trial by Jury: When First My Old, Old Love I Knew
Trial by Jury: Silence in Court...All Hail, Great Judge
Trial by Jury: When I, Good Friends, Was Called to the Bar
Trial by Jury: Swear Thou the Jury
Trial by Jury: Where Is the Plaintiff?
Trial by Jury: Comes the Broken Flower
Trial by Jury: Oh, Never, Never, Never
Trial by Jury: May It Please You, M'Lud!
Trial by Jury: That She Is Reeling Is Plain to Me
Trial by Jury: Oh Gentlemen, Listen
Trial by Jury: That Seems a Reasonable Proposition
Trial by Jury: A Nice Dilemma We Have Here
Trial by Jury: I Love Him, I Love Hin
Trial by Jury: The Question, Gentlemen Is One of Liquor
Trial by Jury: Oh Joy Unbounded
Pirates of Penzance: Overture
Pirates of Penzance, Act One: Pour, Oh Pour the Pirate Sherry
Pirates of Penzance, Act One: When Frederic Was a Little Lad
Pirates of Penzance, Act One: Oh, Better Far to Live and Die (I Am ...)
Pirates of Penzance, Act One: Oh, False One, You Have Deceived Me!
Pirates of Penzance, Act One: What Shall I Do?...Climbing Over ...
Pirates of Penzance, Act One: Stop, Ladies, Pray!
Pirates of Penzance, Act One: Oh, Is There Not One Maiden Breast?
Pirates of Penzance, Act One: Oh, Sisters, Deaf to Pity's Name
Pirates of Penzance, Act One: Poor Wandering One
Pirates of Penzance, Act One: What Ought We to Do?
Pirates of Penzance, Act One: Stay, We Must Not Lose Our Senses
Pirates of Penzance, Act One: Here's a First-Rate Opportunity
Pirates of Penzance, Act One: Hold, Monsters!
Pirates of Penzance, Act One: I Am the Very Model of a Modern ...
Pirates of Penzance, Act One: Oh, Men of Dark and Dismal Fate
Pirates of Penzance, Act One: I'm Telling a Terrible Story
Pirates of Penzance, Act One: Oh, Master, Hear One Word
Pirates of Penzance, Act One: Pray Observe the Magnanimity

Tracks:

Pirates of Penzance, Act Two: Oh, Dry the Glistening Tear
Pirates of Penzance, Act Two: Then, Frederic, Let Your Escort ...
Pirates of Penzance, Act Two: When the Foeman Bares His Steel
Pirates of Penzance, Act Two: Now for the Pirates' Lair!
Pirates of Penzance, Act Two: Young Frederic!
Pirates of Penzance, Act Two: When You Had Left Our Pirate Fold
Pirates of Penzance, Act Two: Away, Away! My Heart's on Fire
Pirates of Penzance, Act Two: All Is Prepared
Pirates of Penzance, Act Two: Stay, Frederic, Stay!
Pirates of Penzance, Act Two: Ah, Leave Me Not to Pine
Pirates of Penzance, Act Two: In 1940 I of Age Shall Be
Pirates of Penzance, Act Two: No, I'll Be Brave!
Pirates of Penzance, Act Two: Though in Body and in Mind
Pirates of Penzance, Act Two: When a Felon's Not Engaged in His ...
Pirates of Penzance, Act Two: A Rollicking Band of Pirates We
Pirates of Penzance, Act Two: With Cat-Like Tread
Pirates of Penzance, Act Two: Hush, Hush! Not a Word
Pirates of Penzance, Act Two: Sighing Softly to the River
Pirates of Penzance, Act Two: And What Is This, And What Is That?
Pirates of Penzance, Act Two: Frederic Here! Oh Joy!
Pirates of Penzance, Act Two: Poor Wandering Ones
Iolanthe: Overture
Iolanthe, Act One: Tripping Hither, Tripping Thither
Iolanthe, Act One: Iolanthe!
Iolanthe, Act One: Good Morrow, Good Mother
Iolanthe, Act One: Fare Thee Well, Attractive Stranger
Iolanthe, Act One: Good Morrow, Good Lover
Iolanthe, Act One: None Shall Part Us from Each Other
Iolanthe, Act One: Loudly Let the Trumpet Bray!
Iolanthe, Act One: The Law Is the True Embodiment
Iolanthe, Act One: My Well-Loved Lord and Guardian Dear
Iolanthe, Act One: Of All the Young Ladies I Know
Iolanthe, Act One: Nay, Tempt Me Not
Iolanthe, Act One: Spurn Not the Nobly Born
Iolanthe, Act One: My Lords, It May Not Be
Iolanthe, Act One: A Shepherd I
Iolanthe, Act One: When I Went to the Bar as a Very Young Man

Tracks:

Iolanthe, Act One: When Darkly Looms the Day
Iolanthe, Act One: Oh, Shameless One, Tremble!
Iolanthe, Act One: In Babyhood Upon Her Lap I Lay
Iolanthe, Act One: For Riches and Rank That You Befall
Iolanthe, Act One: To You I Give My Heart
Iolanthe, Act One: Tripping, Hither, Tripping Thither
Iolanthe, Act One: The Lady of My Love
Iolanthe, Act One: Go Away, Madam
Iolanthe, Act One: Oh, Chancellor Unwary
Iolanthe, Act One: Young Strephon Is the Kind of Lout (With ...)
Iolanthe, Act Two: When All Night Long a Chap Remains
Iolanthe, Act Two: Strephon's a Member of Parliament
Iolanthe, Act Two: When Britain Really Ruled the Waves
Iolanthe, Act Two: In Vain to Us You Plead
Iolanthe, Act Two: Oh, Foolish Fay
Iolanthe, Act Two: Though P'r'aps I May Incur Your Blame
Iolanthe, Act Two: Love, Unrequited, Robs Me of My Rest
Iolanthe, Act Two: When You're Lying Awake With a Dismal Headache
Iolanthe, Act Two: If You Go in, You're Sure to Win
Iolanthe, Act Two: If We're Weak Enough to Tarry
Iolanthe, Act Two: My, Lord, A Suppliant at Your Feet I Kneel
Iolanthe, Act Two: He Loves! If in the Bygone Years
Iolanthe, Act Two: It May Not Be
Iolanthe, Act Two: Soon as We May
Gondoliers: Overture
Gondoliers, Act One: List and Learn, Ye Dainty Roses
Gondoliers, Act One: Good Morrow, Pretty Maids
Gondoliers, Act One: For the Merriest Fellows Are We
Gondoliers, Act One: Buon'giorno, Signorine
Gondoliers, Act One: We're Called Gondolieri
Gondoliers, Act One: And Now to Choose Our Brides
Gondoliers, Act One: Thank You, Gallant Gondolieri

Tracks:

Gondoliers, Act One: From the Sunny Spanish Shore
Gondoliers, Act One: In Enterprise of Martial Kind (The Duke of ...)
Gondoliers, Act One: O Rapture When Alone Together
Gondoliers, Act One: There Was a Time
Gondoliers, Act One: I Stole the Prince
Gondoliers, Act One: But, Bless My Heart
Gondoliers, Act One: Try We Life-Long
Gondoliers, Act One: Bridegroom and Bride
Gondoliers, Act One: When a Merry Maiden Marries
Gondoliers, Act One: Kind Sirm You Cannot Have the Heart
Gondoliers, Act One: Do Not Give Way
Gondoliers, Act One: Then One of Us Will Be a Queen
Gondoliers, Act One: Replaying, We Sing
Gondoliers, Act One: For Everyone Who Feels Inclined
Gondoliers, Act One: Come, Let's Sway
Gondoliers, Act One: Then Away We Go to an Island Fair
Gondoliers, Act Two: Of Happiness the Very Pith
Gondoliers, Act Two: Rising Early in the Morning
Gondoliers, Act Two: Take a Pair of Sparkling Eyes
Gondoliers, Act Two: Here We Are, At the Risk of Our Lives
Gondoliers, Act Two: Dance a Cachucha, Fandango, Bolero
Gondoliers, Act Two: There Lived a King
Gondoliers, Act Two: In a Contemplative Fashion
Gondoliers, Act Two: With Ducak Pomp and Ducal Pride
Gondoliers, Act Two: On the Day When I Was Wedded
Gondoliers, Act Two: To Help Unhapppy Commoners
Gondoliers, Act Two: Small Titles Abd Orders
Gondoliers, Act Two: I Am a Courtier Grave and Serious
Gondoliers, Act Two: Here Is a Case Unprecedented
Gondoliers, Act Two: Now Let the Loyal Lleges Gather Round
Gondoliers, Act Two: The Royal Prince

Tracks:

Yeomen of the Guard: Overture
Yeomen of the Guard, Act One: When Maiden Loves
Yeomen of the Guard, Act One: Tower Warders, Under Orders
Yeomen of the Guard, Act One: When Our Gallant Norman Foes
Yeomen of the Guard, Act One: Alas, I Waver to and Fro
Yeomen of the Guard, Act One: Is Life a Boon?
Yeomen of the Guard, Act One: Here's a Man of Jollity
Yeomen of the Guard, Act One: I Have a Song to Sing, O!
Yeomen of the Guard, Act One: How Say You, Maiden, Will You Wed?
Yeomen of the Guard, Act One: I've Jibe and Joke
Yeomen of the Guard, Act One: 'Tis Done! I Am a Bride!
Yeomen of the Guard, Act One: Were I Thy Bride
Yeomen of the Guard, Act One: Oh, Sergeant Meryll, Is It True?
Yeomen of the Guard, Act One: Forbear My Friends
Yeomen of the Guard, Act One: The Prisoner Comes to Meet His Doom
Yeomen of the Guard, Act Two: Night Has Spread Her Pall Once More
Yeomen of the Guard, Act Two: Oh! A Private Buffoon Is a Light-Hearted
Yeomen of the Guard, Act Two: Hereupon We're Both Agreed
Yeomen of the Guard, Act Two: Free from His Fetters Grim
Yeomen of the Guard, Act Two: Strange Adventure!
Yeomen of the Guard, Act Two: Hark! What Was That, Sir?
Yeomen of the Guard, Act Two: A Man Who Would Woo a Fair Maid
Yeomen of the Guard, Act Two: When a Wooer Goes A-Wooing

Tracks:

Yeomen of the Guard, Act Two: Comes the Pretty Young Bride
Yeomen of the Guard, Act Two: Hold, Pretty One!
Yeomen of the Guard, Act Two: All Thought of Leonard Meryll Set Aside
H.M.S. Pinafore
Yeomen of the Guard
Di Ballo: Overture - Birmingham Symphony Orchestra,
Pineapple Poll Ballet Suite, Scene One: Opening Dance
Pineapple Poll Ballet Suite, Scene One: Poll's Dance and Pas de Deux
Pineapple Poll Ballet Suite, Scene One: Belaye's Solo
Pineapple Poll Ballet Suite, Scene One: Pas de Trois
Pineapple Poll Ballet Suite, Scene One: Finale
Pineapple Poll Ballet Suite, Scene Two: Poll's Solo
Pineapple Poll Ballet Suite, Scene Two: Jasper's Solo
Pineapple Poll Ballet Suite, Scene Two: Belaye's Solo and Sailor's ...
Pineapple Poll Ballet Suite, Scene Two: Poll's Solo
Pineapple Poll Ballet Suite, Scene Two: Entry of Belaye With ...
Pineapple Poll Ballet Suite, Scene Two: Reconciliation
Pineapple Poll Ballet Suite, Scene Two: Grand Finale

Customer Reviews:

Not the best sung but among the best in characterization.......2005-07-09

Between 1949 and 1951, the D'Oyly Carte Company was very busy recording nine of the Gilbert & Sullivan works onto mono LPs for the Decca label (or the London, as it was known over here), with comic lead Martyn Green in all but "Trial By Jury." After he left the company, Green was supplanted by Peter Pratt, who recorded the comic lead roles in "The Sorcerer" and "Princess Ida." All of these have waited a long time to appear on CDs and several companies have taken advantage of the copyright lapse to issue them at very high prices and at least one at very budget ones.

But now I find that all of the 1949-1951 sets are available on the Avid Entertainment label as a boxed set of 10 discs (AMSC 780-789). To keep things compact, the Avid people unavoidably had to place on the same disc Act I of one opera after Act II of the one before. There is also orchestral bonus material towards the end including orchestral selections from "Pinafore" and "Yeomen of the Guard," Sullivan's salute to the dance "Overture Di Ballo," and the entire score of the G&S-based ballet "Pineapple Poll."

Green is good and even better are the bottomless basso of Richard Watson, the most famous Mikado of them all Darrell Fancourt, and the sympathetic contralto of Ella Halman. Only tenor Leonard Osborne does not come over very well on recordings, although he was very good on stage. No true "Savoyard" will want to be without this collection.

Those who are perfectly happy with less will want "Gilbert & Sullivan: Highlights and Overtures" (AMSC 800), a double-CD set in which there are 27 selections from the complete recordings and the 9 overtures, plus "Overture Di Ballo." A great starter kit to introduce newcomers to the magic of the G&S team.

Music Composers:

Music Composers

Music Composers