Sullivan: The Golden Legend

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the rich, dramatic world of Arthur Sullivan's "The Golden Legend," a monumental choral work that once rivaled Handel's Messiah in popularity during the Victorian era. This two-disc set, released by Hyperion in 2001, showcases Sullivan's mastery of composition and his deep understanding of choral music, which he cultivated from a young age as a parish chorister and later as a member of the Chapel Royal at St James's Palace.

"The Golden Legend" is a sprawling, epic cantata that weaves together a tapestry of voices and instruments to tell a compelling story. The album features a stellar cast of vocalists, including Janice Watson, Jean Rigby, Mark Wilde, Jeffrey Black, and Jonathan Brown, accompanied by the London Chorus and the New London Symphony Orchestra, all under the skilled direction of conductor Ronald Corp.

The album's 30 tracks are divided into six scenes, each exploring different facets of the narrative through a blend of solo arias, choral pieces, and instrumental interludes. From the haunting opening prologue to the triumphant choral epilogue, Sullivan's score is a testament to his genius, filled with memorable melodies, intricate harmonies, and vivid orchestration.

Recorded in February 2001 at All Saints Church in Tooting, London, this excellent performance captures the full grandeur and intimacy of Sullivan's score. Whether you're a longtime fan of Arthur Sullivan's work or a newcomer to his music, "The Golden Legend" is an essential addition to your classical music collection.

1 september 2001

℗ 2001 Hyperion Records Limited

About Arthur Sullivan

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.