Immerse yourself in the timeless wit and charm of Arthur Sullivan's "Gilbert & Sullivan: The Pirates of Penzance." This classic opera, released on October 26, 1993, under the Telarc label, is a delightful exploration of the absurdities of life, love, and piracy. With a runtime of 1 hour and 18 minutes, the album is a comprehensive journey through the whimsical world of pirates, maidens, and a particularly dashing young man named Frederic.
Sullivan's masterful composition brings to life the hilarious and heartwarming tale of Frederic, who, upon completing his apprenticeship to a band of pirates, discovers he is bound by his birthdate to continue his life of crime. The opera is a brilliant blend of satire, romance, and adventure, with standout tracks like "I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General" showcasing Sullivan's genius for melody and humor.
The album features a full cast of talented performers, each bringing their unique voice to the beloved characters of this operatic gem. From the rousing choruses to the tender duets, every track is a testament to Sullivan's enduring appeal and the timelessness of his music.
Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Gilbert & Sullivan: The Pirates of Penzance" is a must-listen. It's a celebration of music, storytelling, and the sheer joy of theatrical performance. So, grab a glass of sherry, pour yourself a cup of tea, and prepare to be swept away by the enchanting world of Penzance.
The Pirates of Penzance, Act I: Opening Chorus of Pirates and Solo. Pour, Oh Pour, the Pirate SherryArthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Chorus, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Nicholas Folwell
The Pirates of Penzance, Act I: Song. When Fred'ric Was a Little LadArthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Gillian Knight
The Pirates of Penzance, Act I: Song. Oh, Better Far to Live and DieArthur Sullivan, Donald Adams, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Chorus, Welsh National Opera Orchestra
The Pirates of Penzance, Act I: Recitative and Duet. Oh! False One, You Have Deceived MeArthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, John Mark Ainsley, Gillian Knight
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: Recitative. Stop, Ladies, Pray!Arthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Chorus, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, John Mark Ainsley, Julie Gossage, Jenevora Williams
The Pirates of Penzance, Act I: Song. Oh! Is There Not One Maiden BreastArthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Chorus, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, John Mark Ainsley, Rebecca Evans
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: Chorus of Girls. What Ought We to Do, Gentle Sisters, Say!Arthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Chorus, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Julie Gossage, Jenevora Williams
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: Solo with Chorus. Stay, We Must Not Lose Our SensesArthur Sullivan, John Mark Ainsley, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Chorus, Welsh National Opera Orchestra
The Pirates of Penzance, Act I: Recitative. Hold, Monsters!Arthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Chorus, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Rebecca Evans, Richard Stuart, Nicholas Folwell
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 I: Finale. Oh! Men of Dark and Dismal FateArthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Chorus, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, John Mark Ainsley, Rebecca Evans, Jenevora Williams, Gillian Knight, Donald Adams, Richard Stuart, Julie Gossage, Nicholas Folwell
The Pirates of Penzance, Act II: Introduction and Solo. Oh! Dry the Glist'ning TearArthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Chorus, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Rebecca Evans
The Pirates of Penzance, Act II: Recitative. Now, Frederic, Let Your Escort Lion-HeartedArthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, John Mark Ainsley, 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: Recitative and Trio. Now for the Pirates' Lair!Arthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, John Mark Ainsley, Donald Adams, Gillian Knight
The Pirates of Penzance, Act II: Trio. When You Had Left Our Pirate FoldArthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, John Mark Ainsley, Gillian Knight, Donald Adams
The Pirates of Penzance, Act II: Trio. Away, Away, My Heart's on Fire!Arthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, John Mark Ainsley, Gillian Knight, Donald Adams
The Pirates of Penzance, Act II: Recitative and Duet. All Is Prepared! Your Gallant Crew Await You!Arthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, John Mark Ainsley, Rebecca Evans
The Pirates of Penzance, Act II: Duet. Stay, Frederic, Stay!Arthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, John Mark Ainsley, Rebecca Evans
The Pirates of Penzance, Act II: Recitative. No, I'll Be Brave! Oh, Family DescentArthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Chorus, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Rebecca Evans, Richard van Allan
The Pirates of Penzance, Act II: Song. When a Felon's Not Engaged in His EmploymentArthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Chorus, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Richard van Allan
The Pirates of Penzance, Act II: Solo. A Rollicking Band of Pirates WeArthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Chorus, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, Richard van Allan
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 Pirates of Penzance, Act II: Chorus. Hush! Hush! Not a WordArthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Chorus, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, John Mark Ainsley, Donald Adams, Richard Stuart
The Pirates of Penzance, Act 2: Song and Finale. Sighing Softly to the RiverArthur Sullivan, Sir Charles Mackerras, Welsh National Opera Chorus, Welsh National Opera Orchestra, John Mark Ainsley, Rebecca Evans, Richard van Allan, Donald Adams, Richard Stuart, Gillian Knight, Julie Gossage, Jenevora Williams, Nicholas Folwell