Gilbert & Sullivan highlights

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Gilbert & Sullivan with this captivating collection of highlights, featuring the timeless compositions of Arthur Sullivan. This album, released by Warner Classics, brings together some of the most beloved and iconic pieces from the duo's renowned operas, offering a delightful journey through their witty and whimsical musical theater works.

The album showcases a selection of standout numbers from five of Gilbert and Sullivan's most celebrated operas: "The Mikado," "The Yeomen of the Guard," "Iolanthe," "The Gondoliers," and "The Pirates of Penzance." Each piece is meticulously performed by the talented soloists and choir of the Cheam Operatic Society, accompanied by the Southern Festival Orchestra under the skilled direction of an unnamed conductor. The 1991 digital remastering ensures that the music sounds as vibrant and lively as ever, allowing you to enjoy these classic compositions in pristine audio quality.

From the humorous and satirical "I am the very model of a modern Major-General" to the romantic and melodious "For he's gone and married Yum-Yum," this album offers a diverse range of musical styles and themes that showcase the genius of Arthur Sullivan's compositions. The overtures and select acts from each opera provide a comprehensive overview of the duo's unique blend of humor, social commentary, and beautiful melodies.

Whether you're a long-time fan of Gilbert and Sullivan or a newcomer to their enchanting world, this collection of highlights is an excellent introduction to the duo's enduring legacy. With a running time of just over an hour, this album is the perfect way to spend an afternoon or evening, enjoying the timeless music of Arthur Sullivan and the witty lyrics of W.S. Gilbert.

6 maart 2006

℗ This compilation (p) 2006 by EMI Records Ltd

About Arthur Sullivan

Sir Arthur Seymour Sullivan, born in Lambeth in 1842, was a prodigious English composer whose musical genius was evident from a young age. By eight, he could play all the wind instruments in his father's band, and his first anthem was already composed. Sullivan's career spanned a wide range of genres, but he is most celebrated for his collaborations with the dramatist W.S. Gilbert. Together, they created fourteen iconic comic operas, including the beloved "H.M.S. Pinafore," "The Pirates of Penzance," and "The Mikado," which remain staples of the operatic repertoire.

Beyond his famous partnership with Gilbert, Sullivan's compositions include 24 operas, 11 major orchestral works, choral pieces, ballets, and numerous hymns and songs. His choral work "The Golden Legend" was once second only to Handel's "Messiah" in popularity. Sullivan's personal life was marked by a notable liaison with American socialite Mary Frances Ronalds, with whom he maintained a discreet but close relationship. Despite his prolific output and renown during his lifetime, Sullivan's serious works are less frequently performed today, overshadowed by the enduring popularity of his comic operas with Gilbert. His legacy endures as one of the most prolific and influential composers of the Victorian era.