Sullivan: The Golden Legend

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.