Immerse yourself in the timeless brilliance of John Philip Sousa with the captivating album "Sousa: El Capitan." Released on February 1, 2014, by Zephyr Records, this album is a comprehensive exploration of Sousa's renowned operetta, "El Capitan." Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 38 minutes, this recording offers a rich tapestry of musical storytelling that showcases Sousa's mastery of composition.
"El Capitan" is a three-act operetta that combines lively choruses, dramatic arias, and intricate ensemble pieces, all of which are beautifully rendered in this album. The operetta tells a tale of love, honor, and adventure, set against the backdrop of 16th-century Spain. Each track is meticulously arranged, bringing to life the characters and their journeys through a blend of soaring melodies and dynamic rhythms.
The album features a diverse cast of vocalists and choruses, each bringing their unique talents to the performance. From the stirring prelude to the grand finales, every moment is infused with Sousa's signature flair for dramatic effect and musical innovation. Highlights include the rousing "Ditty of the Drill," the poignant "Oh, spare a daughter's aching heart," and the triumphant "Finale. We beg your kind consideration."
This album is not just a collection of songs but a complete experience of Sousa's operetta, capturing the essence of his genius and the enduring appeal of his music. Whether you are a longtime fan of John Philip Sousa or a newcomer to his work, "Sousa: El Capitan" offers a rich and rewarding listening experience that celebrates the best of classical operetta.
2014 Zephyr Records2014 Zephyr Records
Tracks
El Capitan, Act I: PreludeJohn Philip Sousa, Sinfonia Da Camera, Ian Hobson
El Capitan, Act I: Nobles of Castilian birth (Chorus, Isabel, Marghanza, Verrada, Pozzo)John Philip Sousa, Darryl Edwards, Harold Gray Meers, Lucille Beer, Sherri Karam, University of Illinois Chorale, Sinfonia Da Camera, Ian Hobson
El Capitan, Act I: Don Medigua, all for thy coming wait (Chorus, Isabel, Marghanza, Medigua, Pozzo)John Philip Sousa, Douglas Webster, Darryl Edwards, Lucille Beer, Sherri Karam, University of Illinois Chorale, Sinfonia Da Camera, Ian Hobson
El Capitan, Act I: When we hear the call for battle (Pozzo, Estrelda, Chorus, Cazarro, Scaramba)John Philip Sousa, Gerald Dolter, Donald Hartmann, MaryAnn McCormick, Darryl Edwards, University of Illinois Chorale, Sinfonia Da Camera, Ian Hobson
El Capitan, Act I: Oh, spare a daughter's aching heart (Isabel, Chorus)John Philip Sousa, Sherri Karam, University of Illinois Chorale, Sinfonia Da Camera, Ian Hobson
El Capitan, Act I: Lo, the awful man approaches (Chorus, Medigua, Estrelda, Cazarro, Scaramba)John Philip Sousa, Douglas Webster, Gerald Dolter, Donald Hartmann, MaryAnn McCormick, University of Illinois Chorale, Sinfonia Da Camera, Ian Hobson
El Capitan, Act I: Finale. Bah! Bah! (Scaramba, Chorus, Medigua, Estrelda, Cazarro)John Philip Sousa, Douglas Webster, Gerald Dolter, Donald Hartmann, MaryAnn McCormick, University of Illinois Chorale, Sinfonia Da Camera, Ian Hobson
El Capitan, Act II: Ditty of the Drill (Scaramba, Cazarro, Chorus)John Philip Sousa, Gerald Dolter, Donald Hartmann, University of Illinois Chorale, Sinfonia Da Camera, Ian Hobson
El Capitan, Act II: Behold el Capitan (Medigua, Chorus, Estrelda)John Philip Sousa, Douglas Webster, MaryAnn McCormick, University of Illinois Chorale, Sinfonia Da Camera, Ian Hobson
El Capitan, Act II: I've a most decided notion (Medigua, Estrelda)John Philip Sousa, Douglas Webster, MaryAnn McCormick, Sinfonia Da Camera, Ian Hobson
El Capitan, Act II: Bow'd with tribulationn (Isabel, Marghanza, Chorus, Estrelda, Medigua, Cazarro)John Philip Sousa, Douglas Webster, Gerald Dolter, MaryAnn McCormick, Lucille Beer, Sherri Karam, University of Illinois Chorale, Sinfonia Da Camera, Ian Hobson
El Capitan, Act II: Oh, warrior grim (Isabel, Chorus, Cazarro, Medigua)John Philip Sousa, Douglas Webster, Gerald Dolter, Sherri Karam, University of Illinois Chorale, Sinfonia Da Camera, Ian Hobson
El Capitan, Act II: Don Medigua, here's your wife (Medigua, Pozzo, Marghanza, Isabel, Estrelda, Cazarro)John Philip Sousa, Douglas Webster, Gerald Dolter, MaryAnn McCormick, Darryl Edwards, Lucille Beer, Sherri Karam, Sinfonia Da Camera, Ian Hobson
El Capitan, Act II: Finale. He cannot, must not (Marghanza, Medigua, Estrelda, Chorus, Verrada, Scaramba, Cazarro)John Philip Sousa, Douglas Webster, Gerald Dolter, Donald Hartmann, MaryAnn McCormick, Harold Gray Meers, Lucille Beer, University of Illinois Chorale, Sinfonia Da Camera, Ian Hobson
El Capitan, Act III: Sweetheart, I'm waiting (Verrada, Isabel, Chorus)John Philip Sousa, Harold Gray Meers, Sherri Karam, University of Illinois Chorale, Sinfonia Da Camera, Ian Hobson
El Capitan, Act III: Don Medigua's Entrance (Medigua)John Philip Sousa, Douglas Webster, Sinfonia Da Camera, Ian Hobson
El Capitan, Act III: When some serious affliction (Medigua, Scaramba, Estrelda)John Philip Sousa, Douglas Webster, Donald Hartmann, MaryAnn McCormick, Sinfonia Da Camera, Ian Hobson
El Capitan, Act III: A Typical Tune of Zanzibar (Medigua, Scaramba, Estrelda, Cazarro, Chorus, Verrada)John Philip Sousa, Douglas Webster, Gerald Dolter, Donald Hartmann, MaryAnn McCormick, Harold Gray Meers, University of Illinois Chorale, Sinfonia Da Camera, Ian Hobson
El Capitan, Act III: Chorus and Entrance of Spanish Troops (All)John Philip Sousa, Douglas Webster, Gerald Dolter, Donald Hartmann, MaryAnn McCormick, Darryl Edwards, Harold Gray Meers, Lucille Beer, Sherri Karam, University of Illinois Chorale, Sinfonia Da Camera, Ian Hobson
El Capitan, Act III: Finale. We beg your kind consideration (All)John Philip Sousa, Douglas Webster, Gerald Dolter, Donald Hartmann, MaryAnn McCormick, Darryl Edwards, Harold Gray Meers, Lucille Beer, Sherri Karam, University of Illinois Chorale, Sinfonia Da Camera, Ian Hobson