Dive into the enchanting world of Arthur Sullivan's timeless operettas with this captivating collection of highlights from some of his most beloved works. Released on January 23, 1996, under the Telarc label, this album offers a delightful journey through the whimsical and witty compositions that have charmed audiences for generations.
Spanning a little over an hour and fourteen minutes, this compilation brings together iconic pieces from "The Mikado," "The Pirates of Penzance," "H.M.S. Pinafore," "The Yeomen of the Guard," and "Trial by Jury." Each track is a masterclass in musical storytelling, showcasing Sullivan's unparalleled ability to blend humor, romance, and drama with unforgettable melodies.
From the playful and energetic "Three Little Maids from School" to the rousing "I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General," this album is a treasure trove of musical gems. The intricate harmonies, witty lyrics, and vibrant orchestrations are a testament to Sullivan's genius and his enduring influence on the world of opera.
Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this collection offers a perfect introduction to the magical world of Gilbert and Sullivan. Arthur Sullivan's compositions are brought to life with precision and passion, making this album a must-listen for anyone who appreciates the art of operetta.
The Mikado, Act I: If You Want to Know Who We AreArthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Welsh National Opera Chorus
The Mikado, Act I: Behold the Lord High Executioner!Arthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Richard Stuart, Welsh National Opera Chorus
The Mikado, Act I: Trio. Three Little Maids from School Are WeArthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Marie McLaughlin, Janice Watson, Anne Howells, Welsh National Opera Chorus
The Mikado, Act II: Solo. Braid the Raven HairArthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Anne Howells, Welsh National Opera Chorus
The Mikado, Act II: Duet. The Flowers That Bloom in the SpringArthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Richard Stuart, Marie McLaughlin, Anne Howells, Richard van Allan
The Mikado, Act II: Song. On a Tree by a River, a Little Tom-Tit Sang, 'Willow, Tit-Willow'Arthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Richard Stuart
The Mikado, Act II: Finale. For He's Gone and Married Yum-YumArthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Donald Adams, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Richard Stuart, Richard van Allan, Nicholas Folwell, Marie McLaughlin, Anne Howells, Janice Watson, Felicity Palmer, Welsh National Opera Chorus
H.M.S. Pinafore, Act I: Introduction and Opening Chorus. We Sail the Ocean BlueArthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Welsh National Opera Chorus
H.M.S. Pinafore, Act I: Recitative and Aria. I'm Called Little ButtercupArthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Felicity Palmer
H.M.S. Pinafore, Act I: Recitative and Song. My Gallant CrewArthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Welsh National Opera Chorus, Thomas Allen
H.M.S. Pinafore, Act I: Song. When I Was a LadArthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Welsh National Opera Chorus, Richard Stuart
H.M.S. Pinafore, Act II: Duet. Things Are Seldom What They SeemArthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Thomas Allen, Felicity Palmer
H.M.S. Pinafore, Act II: Trio. Never Mind the Why and WhereforeArthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Rebecca Evans, Richard Stuart, Thomas Allen
The Pirates of Penzance, Act I: Chorus of Girls. Climbing over Rocky MountainArthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Chorus, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Julie Gossage, Jenevora Williams
The Pirates of Penzance, Act I: Song. Poor Wand'ring OneArthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Chorus, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Rebecca Evans
The Pirates of Penzance, Act I: Duet. How Beautifully Blue the SkyArthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Chorus, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, John Mark Ainsley, Rebecca Evans
The Pirates of Penzance, Act I: Song. I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major-GeneralArthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Chorus, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Richard Stuart
The Pirates of Penzance, Act II: Chorus with Solos. When the Foeman Bares His SteelArthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Chorus, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Rebecca Evans, Julie Gossage, Richard van Allan, Jenevora Williams
The Pirates of Penzance, Act II: Duet. Ah, Leave Me Not to Pine - ExcerptArthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Scottish Chamber Orchestra, John Mark Ainsley, Rebecca Evans
The Pirates of Penzance, Act II: Solo. With Cat-Like TreadArthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Chorus, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Nicholas Folwell
The Yeomen of the Guard, Act I: Ballad. Is Life a Boon?Arthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Neil Archer, Alwyn Mellor, Richard Stuart
The Yeomen of the Guard, Act I: Duet. I Have a Song to SingArthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Alwyn Mellor, Richard Stuart
The Yeomen of the Guard, Act I: Song. Were I Thy BrideArthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Pamela Helen Stephens, Neil Archer
The Yeomen of the Guard, Act II: Song. Oh, a Private Buffoon Is a Light-Hearted LoonArthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Richard Stuart
The Yeomen of the Guard, Act II: Quartet. When a Wooer Goes a-WooingArthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Pamela Helen Stephens, Neil Archer, Alwyn Mellor, Richard Stuart
Trial by Jury: Song. When I, Good Friends, Was Called to the BarArthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Richard Stuart
Trial by Jury: Sextet and Chorus. A Nice Dilemma We Have HereArthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Chorus, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Donald Adams, Barry Banks, Richard Stuart, Peter Savidge, Rebecca Evans, Gareth-Rhys Davies
Trial by Jury: Finale. Oh, Joy UnboundedArthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Chorus, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Pamela Helen Stephens, Donald Adams, Barry Banks, Richard Stuart, Peter Savidge, Rebecca Evans, Gareth-Rhys Davies