Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Arthur Sullivan's timeless compositions with this captivating album, released by Warner Classics in 2005. This collection is a treasure trove for opera enthusiasts, featuring a rich selection of overtures and highlights from Sullivan's most beloved works.
At the heart of the album is "The Mikado," one of Sullivan's most celebrated operas, presented in its entirety. From the rousing overture to the iconic songs like "Three little maids from school" and "The flowers that bloom in the spring," this album offers a comprehensive journey through the whimsical and witty world of Titipu. The album also includes the overtures from "Patience," "Iolanthe," and "The Yeomen of the Guard," showcasing Sullivan's mastery of orchestration and melody.
Arthur Sullivan, the renowned English composer, is best known for his collaborations with librettist W.S. Gilbert. Their works have left an indelible mark on the world of opera, blending humor, satire, and beautiful music. This album is a testament to Sullivan's enduring legacy, offering a delightful blend of humor, romance, and musical brilliance.
With a duration of 1 hour and 15 minutes, this album is perfect for those who appreciate the elegance and wit of Victorian-era opera. Whether you're a seasoned opera lover or a newcomer to the genre, this collection of Sullivan's works is sure to enchant and delight.
Sullivan: The Mikado or The Town of Titipu: Overture (Allegro moderato - Andante comodo - Allegro con brio)Arthur Sullivan, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/Kenneth Alwyn, Kenneth Alwyn, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Sullivan: The Mikado or The Town of Titipu, Act 1: No. 1, Chorus, "If you want to know who we are" (Nobles)Arthur Sullivan, W. S.Gilbert, The Linden Singers, Ian Humphris, Westminster Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Faris
Sullivan: The Mikado or The Town of Titipu, Act 1: No. 2a, Recitative and Scena, "Gentlemen, I pray you tell me" (Nanki-Poo, A Noble)Arthur Sullivan, W. S.Gilbert, The Linden Singers, Ian Humphris, Westminster Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Faris
Sullivan: The Mikado or The Town of Titipu, Act 1: No. 3, Song and Chorus, "Our Great Mikado, virtuous man" (Pish-Tush, Nobles)Arthur Sullivan, W. S.Gilbert, The Linden Singers, Ian Humphris, Westminster Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Faris
Sullivan: The Mikado or The Town of Titipu, Act 1: No. 5, Chorus with Song, "Behold the Lord High Executioner!" (Nobles, Ko-Ko)Arthur Sullivan, W. S.Gilbert, The Linden Singers, Ian Humphris, Westminster Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Faris
Sullivan: The Mikado or The Town of Titipu, Act 1: No. 5a, Song, "As some day it may happen" (Ko-Ko, Nobles)Arthur Sullivan, W. S.Gilbert, The Linden Singers, Ian Humphris, Westminster Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Faris
Sullivan: The Mikado or The Town of Titipu, Act 1: No. 7, Trio with Chorus, "Three little maids from school" (Yum-Yum, Peep-bo, Pitti-Sing, Girls)Arthur Sullivan, W. S.Gilbert, The Linden Singers, Ian Humphris, Westminster Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Faris
Sullivan: The Mikado or The Town of Titipu, Act 1: No. 10, Trio, "I am so proud" (Pooh-Bah, Ko-Ko, Pish-Tush)Arthur Sullivan, W. S.Gilbert, The Linden Singers, Ian Humphris, Westminster Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Faris
Sullivan: The Mikado or The Town of Titipu, Act 1: No. 11, Finale, "Your revels cease!" (Katisha, Nanki-Poo, Pitti-Sing, Yum-Yum, Others)Arthur Sullivan, W. S.Gilbert, The Linden Singers, Ian Humphris, Westminster Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Faris
Sullivan: The Mikado or The Town of Titipu, Act 2: No. 13, Song, "The sun, whose rays are all ablaze" (Yum-Yum)Arthur Sullivan, The Linden Singers, Ian Humphris, Westminster Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Faris
Sullivan: The Mikado or The Town of Titipu, Act 2: No. 14, Madrigal, "Brightly dawns our wedding day" (Yum-Yum, Pitti-Sing, Nanki-Poo, Pish-Tush)Arthur Sullivan, W. S.Gilbert, The Linden Singers, Ian Humphris, Westminster Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Faris
Sullivan: The Mikado or The Town of Titipu, Act 2: No. 15, Trio, "Here's a how-de-do!" (Yum-Yum, Nanki-Poo, Ko-Ko)Arthur Sullivan, W. S.Gilbert, The Linden Singers, Ian Humphris, Westminster Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Faris
Sullivan: The Mikado or The Town of Titipu, Act 2: No. 16, Entrance of Mikado, "Miya sama … From every kind of man obedience I expect" (Girls, Nobles, Mikado, Katisha)Arthur Sullivan, W. S.Gilbert, The Linden Singers, Ian Humphris, Westminster Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Faris
Sullivan: The Mikado or The Town of Titipu, Act 2: No. 17, Song with Chorus, "A more humane Mikado" (Mikado, Nobles)Arthur Sullivan, W. S.Gilbert, The Linden Singers, Ian Humphris, Westminster Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Faris
Sullivan: The Mikado or The Town of Titipu, Act 2: No. 18, Trio and Chorus, "The criminal cried" (Ko-Ko, Nobles, Pitti-Sing, Pooh-Bah)Arthur Sullivan, W. S.Gilbert, The Linden Singers, Ian Humphris, Westminster Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Faris
Sullivan: The Mikado or The Town of Titipu, Act 2: No. 20, Duets, "The flowers that bloom in the spring" (Nanki-Poo, Yum-Yum, Pitti-Sing, Pooh-Bah, Ko-Ko)Arthur Sullivan, W. S.Gilbert, The Linden Singers, Ian Humphris, Westminster Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Faris
Sullivan: The Mikado or The Town of Titipu, Act 2: No. 22, Song, "On a tree by a river a little tom-tit" (Ko-Ko)Arthur Sullivan, W. S.Gilbert, The Linden Singers, Ian Humphris, Westminster Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Faris
Sullivan: The Mikado or The Town of Titipu, Act 2: No. 23, Duet, "There is beauty in the bellow of the blast" (Katisha, Ko-Ko)Arthur Sullivan, W. S.Gilbert, The Linden Singers, Ian Humphris, Westminster Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Faris
Sullivan: The Mikado or The Town of Titipu, Act 2: No. 24, Finale, "For he's gone and married Yum-Yum … The threatened cloud" (Pitti-Sing, Ko-Ko, Nanki-Poo, Yum-Yum, Others)Arthur Sullivan, W. S.Gilbert, The Linden Singers, Ian Humphris, Westminster Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Faris
Sullivan: Patience, or Bunthorne's Bride: Overture (Moderato - Allegro vivace)Arthur Sullivan, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/Kenneth Alwyn, Kenneth Alwyn, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Sullivan: Iolanthe or The Peer and the Peri: Overture (Andante - Andante espressivo - Allegro giocoso)Arthur Sullivan, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/Kenneth Alwyn, Kenneth Alwyn, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Sullivan: The Yeomen of the Guard: Overture (Allegro brillante e maestoso)Arthur Sullivan, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/Kenneth Alwyn
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.
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Arthur Sullivan
