Dive into the enchanting world of Arthur Sullivan's operatic genius with this captivating 2004 release from Hyperion. This album showcases two of Sullivan's lesser-known but equally delightful operettas, "The Contrabandista" and "The Foresters," each offering a unique blend of humor, romance, and musical brilliance.
"The Contrabandista," Sullivan's first full-length comic opera, is a spirited and witty exploration of love, deception, and adventure. With a libretto by F.C. Burnand, this two-act opera is filled with memorable arias, duets, and choruses that highlight Sullivan's knack for crafting catchy melodies and clever harmonies. The story unfolds with a lively introduction and builds to a rousing finale, featuring a cast of colorful characters brought to life through vibrant performances.
"The Foresters," on the other hand, draws inspiration from Alfred Lord Tennyson's poem "Robin Hood and Maid Marian." This operetta, with a book and lyrics by Arthur Wing Pinero and J. Comyns Carr, transports listeners to the world of Sherwood Forest, where the legendary outlaw and his beloved Maid Marian navigate the complexities of love and honor. The score is rich with lyrical beauty and dramatic flair, showcasing Sullivan's versatility as a composer.
Recorded in January 2004 at the Henry Wood Hall in London, this album benefits from the expertise of producer Mark Brown and engineer Julian Millard, ensuring a high-quality audio experience. The performances are lively and engaging, bringing Sullivan's music to life with energy and precision. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this collection offers a delightful introduction to the world of Arthur Sullivan's operettas. With a total duration of 1 hour and 16 minutes, it's a perfect addition to any classical music collection.
The Contrabandista, Act I: No. 1. IntroductionArthur Sullivan, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
The Contrabandista, Act I: No. 2, Duet and Chorus. Hush! Not a Step (Sancho/José)Arthur Sullivan, Donald Maxwell, Geoffrey Moses, New London Orchestra, The London Chorus, Ronald Corp
The Contrabandista, Act I: No. 3, Song. Let Others Seek the Peaceful Plain (Inez)Arthur Sullivan, New London Orchestra, Frances McCafferty, Ronald Corp
The Contrabandista, Act I: No. 4, Quintet. Hand of Fate! (José/Vasquez/Sancho/Inez/Rita)Arthur Sullivan, Donald Maxwell, Claire Rutter, Ashley Catling, Frances McCafferty, Ronald Corp, New London Orchestra, Geoffrey Moses
The Contrabandista, Act I: No. 5, Song. Only the Night Wind Sighs Alone (Rita)Arthur Sullivan, Claire Rutter, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
The Contrabandista, Act I: No. 6, Duet. A Guard by Night (Vasquez/Rita)Arthur Sullivan, Ashley Catling, Claire Rutter, Ronald Corp, New London Orchestra
The Contrabandista, Act I: No. 7, Song. From Rock to Rock (Mr Grigg)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Suart, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
The Contrabandista, Act I: No. 8, Trio. Hullo! What's That? (José/Sancho/Mr Grigg)Arthur Sullivan, Donald Maxwell, Geoffrey Moses, Ronald Corp, Richard Suart, New London Orchestra
The Contrabandista, Act I: No. 9. DanceArthur Sullivan, Ronald Corp, New London Orchestra
The Contrabandista, Act I: No. 10, Finale. Hail to the Ancient Hat! (All)Arthur Sullivan, Donald Maxwell, The London Chorus, Geoffrey Moses, New London Orchestra, Richard Suart, Ronald Corp, Claire Rutter, Ashley Catling, Frances McCafferty
The Contrabandista, Act II: No. 1, Song. Wake, Gentle Maiden (Vasquez)Arthur Sullivan, Ashley Catling, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
The Contrabandista, Act II: No. 2, Duet. Let Hidalgos Be Proud of Their Breed (Inez/José)Arthur Sullivan, Donald Maxwell, Frances McCafferty, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
The Contrabandista, Act II: No. 3, Song. He Will Return (Rita)Arthur Sullivan, Claire Rutter, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
The Contrabandista, Act II: No. 4, Trio. Who'd to Be Robber-Chief Aspire (Inez/José/Mr Grigg)Arthur Sullivan, Donald Maxwell, Richard Suart, New London Orchestra, Frances McCafferty, Ronald Corp
The Contrabandista, Act II: No. 5, Song. I Fired Each Barrel (Mr Grigg)Arthur Sullivan, Ronald Corp, New London Orchestra, Richard Suart
The Contrabandista, Act II: No. 6, Finale. Have Pity, Sir! (All)Arthur Sullivan, Claire Rutter, Ashley Catling, The London Chorus, Ronald Corp, Richard Suart, New London Orchestra, Justin Bindley, Geoffrey Moses, Frances McCafferty, Donald Maxwell
The Foresters, Act I: No. 1, "The Bond". Song. The Warrior Earl of Allendale (Kate)Arthur Sullivan, Ronald Corp, New London Orchestra, Claire Rutter
The Foresters, Act I: No. 2, Song. Love Flew in at the Window (Marian)Arthur Sullivan, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp, Frances McCafferty
The Foresters, Act I: No. 3, Drinking Song. Long Live Richard! (Chorus)Arthur Sullivan, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp, The London Chorus
The Foresters, Act I: No. 4, Chorus. To Sleep! to Sleep!Arthur Sullivan, Ronald Corp, New London Orchestra, The London Chorus
The Foresters, Act II: No. 1, "The Flight of Marian". Song. There Is No Land Like England (Will Scarlet)Arthur Sullivan, New London Orchestra, Ashley Catling, Ronald Corp
The Foresters, Act II: No. 2, Scene. Evil Fairy! Do You Hear? (Fairy/Titania/Chorus)Arthur Sullivan, Catherine Hopper, Joanna Cohn, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp, The London Chorus
The Foresters, Act III: "The Crowning of Marian". Song. By All the Deer That Spring (Will Scarlet)Arthur Sullivan, New London Orchestra, Ashley Catling, Ronald Corp
The Foresters, Act IV: No. 1, "The Conclusion". Song. The Bee Buzz'd Up in the Heat (Marian)Arthur Sullivan, Frances McCafferty, Ronald Corp, New London Orchestra
The Foresters, Act IV: No. 2, Chorus and Dance. Now Is the King Home Again (All)Arthur Sullivan, Frances McCafferty, Joanna Cohn, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp, The London Chorus, Catherine Hopper, Ashley Catling, Claire Rutter
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.
Vinylscout
Arthur Sullivan
