Immerse yourself in the witty and charming world of Arthur Sullivan with this delightful collection of two early operettas, "Cox and Box" and "Trial by Jury." Released in June 2005 by Chandos, this album showcases Sullivan's mastery of comic opera, offering a delightful blend of humor, clever dialogue, and memorable melodies.
"Cox and Box," Sullivan's first foray into comic opera, is a hilarious farce that revolves around two lodgers who share a room and the chaos that ensues when they attempt to outwit each other. The opera is filled with catchy tunes and witty lyrics, providing a delightful introduction to Sullivan's unique brand of musical comedy.
"Trial by Jury," on the other hand, is a satirical take on the British legal system, with a plot that revolves around a breach of promise lawsuit. The opera is known for its lively pace, clever dialogue, and memorable ensemble numbers, making it a favorite among opera enthusiasts.
Under the direction of Richard Hickox, this recording features a star-studded cast, including tenor James Gilchrist and baritone Donald Maxwell, who deliver outstanding performances that bring Sullivan's music to life. The album, originally recorded in 2004, spans a total of 68 minutes and includes 31 tracks, providing a comprehensive overview of these two early works by Sullivan.
Whether you're a seasoned opera fan or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to delight with its wit, charm, and memorable melodies. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the timeless appeal of Arthur Sullivan's comic genius.
2005 Chandos Records2005 Chandos Records
Tracks
Cox and Box: OvertureArthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales
Cox and Box: It Seemed Like Just Another Day… (Bouncer)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Donald Maxwell
Cox and Box: Rataplan. Yes, Yes, in Those Merry Days (Bouncer)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Donald Maxwell
Cox and Box: Now, for Some Reason or Other (Bouncer)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Donald Maxwell
Cox and Box: Stay, Bouncer, Stay! (Cox, Bouncer)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Neal Davies, Donald Maxwell
Cox and Box: At Last He Left (Bouncer)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Donald Maxwell
Cox and Box: A Lullaby. Hush'd is the Bacon on the Grid (Box)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, James Gilchrist
Cox and Box: My Master Is Punctual (Cox)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Neal Davies
Cox and Box: Disaster! (Bouncer)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Donald Maxwell
Cox and Box: Who Are You, Sir? (Cox, Box, Bouncer)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Neal Davies, James Gilchrist, Donald Maxwell
Cox and Box: Not Even Rataplan Could Settle This… (Bouncer)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Donald Maxwell
Cox and Box: Serenade. The Buttercup (Cox, Box)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Neal Davies, James Gilchrist
Cox and Box: Music, It Seemed, Wasn't Their Only Mutual Interest (Bouncer)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Donald Maxwell
Cox and Box: Not Long Ago (Box, Cox)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, James Gilchrist, Neal Davies
Cox and Box: An Ingenious Scheme (Bouncer)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Donald Maxwell
Cox and Box: Finale. My Hand Upon It (Box, Bouncer)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, James Gilchrist, Donald Maxwell
Trial by Jury: Hark, the Hour of Ten is Sounding (Usher, Chorus)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Neal Davies, Chamber Choir of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Trial by Jury: Is this the Court of the Exchequer? (Defendant, Usher, Chorus of Jurymen)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, James Gilchrist, Neal Davies, Chamber Choir of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Trial by Jury: When First My Old, Old Love I Knew (Defendant, Usher, Chorus of Jurymen)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, James Gilchrist, Neal Davies, Chamber Choir of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Trial by Jury: All Hail, Great Judge! (Judge, Chorus)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Donald Maxwell, Chamber Choir of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Trial by Jury: When I, Good Friends… (Judge, Chorus)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Donald Maxwell, Chamber Choir of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Trial by Jury: Swear Thou the Jury (Counsel, Usher, Jury)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Matthew Brook, Neal Davies, Chamber Choir of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Trial by Jury: Where's the Plaintiff? (Counsel, Usher, Plaintiff, Chorus of Bridesmaids)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Matthew Brook, Neal Davies, Rebecca Evans, Chamber Choir of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Trial by Jury: Oh Never, Never, Never… (Judge, Foreman, Plaintiff, Usher, Chorus)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Donald Maxwell, David Thaxton, Rebecca Evans, Neal Davies, Chamber Choir of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Trial by Jury: May It Please You, M'lud! (Counsel, Plaintiff, Judge, Foreman, Usher, Defendant, Chorus)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Matthew Brook, Rebecca Evans, Donald Maxwell, David Thaxton, Neal Davies, James Gilchrist
Trial by Jury: That She is Reeling is Plain to See! (Judge, Foreman, Plaintiff, Counsel, Defendant, Usher, Foreman)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Donald Maxwell, David Thaxton, Rebecca Evans, Matthew Brook, James Gilchrist, Neal Davies
Trial by Jury: Oh Gentlemen Listen I Pray (Defendant, Chorus of Bridesmaids)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, James Gilchrist, Chamber Choir of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Trial by Jury: That Seems a Reasonable Proposition (Judge, Counsel, Chorus)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Donald Maxwell, Matthew Brook, Chamber Choir of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Trial by Jury: A Nice Dilemma We Have Here (Judge, Counsel, Defendant, Plaintiff, Usher, Foreman, Chorus)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Donald Maxwell, Matthew Brook, James Gilchrist, Rebecca Evans, Neal Davies, David Thaxton
Trial by Jury: I Love Him - I Love Him (Plaintiff, Defendant, Judge, Counsel, Foreman, Chorus)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Rebecca Evans, James Gilchrist, Donald Maxwell, Matthew Brook, David Thaxton, Chamber Choir of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Trial by Jury: Oh Joy Unbounded (Plaintiff, Counsel, Defendant, Usher, Judge, Foreman, Chorus)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Rebecca Evans, Matthew Brook, James Gilchrist, Neal Davies, Donald Maxwell, David Thaxton