Experience the timeless charm of Gilbert & Sullivan's HMS Pinafore, a delightful operatic adventure brought to life by the incomparable Arthur Sullivan. This 2016 release from Linn Records captures a thrilling all-male concert performance from the 2015 Edinburgh Festival, conducted by the esteemed Richard Egarr. With a runtime of 1 hour and 24 minutes, this two-disc set is a treasure trove of witty lyrics by W.S. Gilbert and Sullivan's enchanting melodies.
HMS Pinafore is one of Gilbert and Sullivan's most beloved operas, and this recording showcases the wit, humor, and musical brilliance that have made it a classic. The story unfolds with a lively overture, followed by a series of charming songs, duets, and choruses that highlight the operetta's satirical take on social class and love. Standout tracks include "I Am the Monarch of the Sea," "A British Tar," and "Kind Captain," each performed with precision and panache by the talented cast and the New Symphony Orchestra of London.
The album features a stellar cast, including members of the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, known for their exceptional performances of Gilbert and Sullivan's works. The production is meticulously directed by James Fortune, ensuring that every note and lyric is delivered with the perfect blend of humor and pathos.
Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or new to the world of Gilbert and Sullivan, this recording of HMS Pinafore is a delightful addition to any music collection. The high-quality recording and dynamic performances make it a standout release in the genre of opera. Immerse yourself in the whimsical world of HMS Pinafore and enjoy the timeless appeal of Arthur Sullivan's music.
2016 Linn Records2016 Linn Records
Tracks
HMS Pinafore: 1. OvertureArthur Sullivan, Scottish Opera, Richard Egarr, Tim Brooke-Taylor
HMS Pinafore: 2. Act I, Chorus. We Sail the Ocean BlueArthur Sullivan, Scottish Opera, Richard Egarr
HMS Pinafore: 3. Act I, Recitative and Song. Hail, Men-o'-war's MenArthur Sullivan, Scottish Opera, Richard Egarr, Hilary Summers, Tim Brooke-Taylor
HMS Pinafore: 4. Act I, Recitative. But, Tell MeArthur Sullivan, Scottish Opera, Richard Egarr, Hilary Summers, Gavan Ring
HMS Pinafore: 5. Act I, Scena. The Nightingale SighedArthur Sullivan, Scottish Opera, Richard Egarr, Hilary Summers, Toby Spence, Tim Brooke-Taylor
HMS Pinafore: 6. Act I, Recitative and Song. My Gallant Crew, Good MorningArthur Sullivan, Scottish Opera, Richard Egarr, Andrew Foster-Williams
HMS Pinafore: 7. Act I, Recitative. Sir, You Are Sad!Arthur Sullivan, Scottish Opera, Richard Egarr, Hilary Summers, Andrew Foster-Williams
HMS Pinafore: 8. Act I, Song. Sorry Her LotArthur Sullivan, Scottish Opera, Richard Egarr, Elizabeth Watts, Tim Brooke-Taylor
HMS Pinafore: 9. Act I, Chorus of Women. Over the Bright Blue SeaArthur Sullivan, Scottish Opera, Richard Egarr
HMS Pinafore: 10. Act I, Chorus of Sailors and Relatives. We Sail the Ocean BlueArthur Sullivan, Scottish Opera, Richard Egarr
HMS Pinafore: 11. Act I, Recitative, Song and Chorus. I Am the Monarch of the SeaArthur Sullivan, Scottish Opera, Richard Egarr, John Mark Ainsley, Kitty Whately
HMS Pinafore: 12. Act I, Song. When I was a ladArthur Sullivan, Scottish Opera, Richard Egarr, John Mark Ainsley
HMS Pinafore: 13. Act I, Exit for Ladies. For I Hold That on the SeasArthur Sullivan, Scottish Opera, Richard Egarr, John Mark Ainsley, Kitty Whately, Tim Brooke-Taylor
HMS Pinafore: 14. Act I, Trio. A British TarArthur Sullivan, Scottish Opera, Richard Egarr, Toby Spence, Gavan Ring, Barnaby Rea, Tim Brooke-Taylor
HMS Pinafore: 15. Act I, Duet. Refrain, Audacious TarArthur Sullivan, Scottish Opera, Richard Egarr, Elizabeth Watts, Toby Spence
HMS Pinafore: 16. Act I, Finale. Can I Survive This OverbearingArthur Sullivan, Scottish Opera, Richard Egarr, Toby Spence, Neal Davies, Elizabeth Watts, Kitty Whately, Gavan Ring
HMS Pinafore: 17. Entr'acteArthur Sullivan, Scottish Opera, Richard Egarr, Tim Brooke-Taylor
HMS Pinafore: 18. Act II, Song. Fair Moon, to Thee I SingArthur Sullivan, Scottish Opera, Richard Egarr, Andrew Foster-Williams, Tim Brooke-Taylor
HMS Pinafore: 19. Act II, Duet. Things Are Seldom What They SeemArthur Sullivan, Scottish Opera, Richard Egarr, Hilary Summers, Andrew Foster-Williams, Tim Brooke-Taylor
HMS Pinafore: 20. Act II, Scena. The Hours Creep on ApaceArthur Sullivan, Scottish Opera, Richard Egarr, Elizabeth Watts, Tim Brooke-Taylor
HMS Pinafore: 21. Act II, Trio. Never Mind the Why and WhereforeArthur Sullivan, Scottish Opera, Richard Egarr, Andrew Foster-Williams, John Mark Ainsley, Elizabeth Watts, Tim Brooke-Taylor
HMS Pinafore: 22. Act II, Duet. Kind CaptainArthur Sullivan, Scottish Opera, Richard Egarr, Neal Davies, Andrew Foster-Williams
HMS Pinafore: 23. Act II, Soli. Carefully on Tiptoe StealingArthur Sullivan, Scottish Opera, Richard Egarr, Neal Davies, Andrew Foster-Williams
HMS Pinafore: 24. Act II, Scena. Pretty Daughter of MineArthur Sullivan, Scottish Opera, Richard Egarr, Andrew Foster-Williams, Toby Spence, Elizabeth Watts, John Mark Ainsley, Gavan Ring, Neal Davies, Kitty Whately, Tim Brooke-Taylor
HMS Pinafore: 25. Act II, Octet. Farewell, My OwnArthur Sullivan, Scottish Opera, Richard Egarr, Toby Spence, Elizabeth Watts, John Mark Ainsley, Gavan Ring, Neal Davies, Kitty Whately, Hilary Summers
HMS Pinafore: 26. Act II, Legend. A Many Years AgoArthur Sullivan, Scottish Opera, Richard Egarr, Hilary Summers, Tim Brooke-Taylor
HMS Pinafore: 27. Act II, Finale. Oh Joy, Oh Rapture UnforeseenArthur Sullivan, Scottish Opera, Richard Egarr, Elizabeth Watts, Kitty Whately, Toby Spence, Neal Davies, Andrew Foster-Williams, John Mark Ainsley, Hilary Summers
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.
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Arthur Sullivan
