Experience the timeless wit and charm of William Schwenck Gilbert's "The Mikado Highlights," a captivating collection of arias and ensembles from one of the most beloved operas of all time. This 26-minute album, released on January 1, 2000, under the Maestoso label, offers a delightful introduction to Gilbert's brilliant libretto, which he penned in collaboration with the renowned composer Arthur Sullivan.
"The Mikado Highlights" features some of the most iconic and humorous moments from Gilbert's operatic masterpiece, including the whimsical "Three Little Maids From School Are We" and the poignant "The Flowers That Bloom In The Spring." The album showcases Gilbert's unparalleled ability to craft clever, witty dialogue and memorable characters, such as the cunning Ko-Ko and the pompous Pooh-Bah.
Born in 1836, William Schwenck Gilbert was an English dramatist, librettist, poet, and illustrator, best known for his fourteen comic operas. His collaborations with Arthur Sullivan, collectively known as the Savoy Operas, revolutionized the world of musical theater and continue to be celebrated for their ingenious plots, memorable melodies, and sharp social commentary.
This enchanting album is an excellent starting point for those new to Gilbert's work, as well as a delightful reminder for longtime fans of his genius. With its engaging storytelling and unforgettable characters, "The Mikado Highlights" is a true gem in the world of opera.
2000 Maestoso2000 Maestoso
Tracks
The Mikado, Act I: II. A Wandering Mistrel IWilliam Schwenck Gilbert, Arthur Sullivan, The D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, Thomas Round, Isidore Godfrey
The Mikado, Act I: III. Our Great Mikado, Virtuous ManWilliam Schwenck Gilbert, Arthur Sullivan, The D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, Isidore Godfrey, Alan Styler
The Mikado, Act I: V. Behold The Lord High ExecutionerWilliam Schwenck Gilbert, Arthur Sullivan, The D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, Isidore Godfrey, Peter Pratt
The Mikado, Act I: V a. As Some Day It May HappenWilliam Schwenck Gilbert, Arthur Sullivan, The D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, Peter Pratt, Isidore Godfrey
The Mikado, Act I: VII. Three Little Maids From School Are WeWilliam Schwenck Gilbert, Arthur Sullivan, The D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, Beryl Dixon, Isidore Godfrey, Jean Hindmarsh, Jennifer Toye
The Mikado, Act I: VIII. So Please You, SirWilliam Schwenck Gilbert, Arthur Sullivan, The D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, Jennifer Toye, Jean Hindmarsh, Kenneth Sandford, Isidore Godfrey, Beryl Dixon
The Mikado, Act II: II. The Sun, Whose RaysWilliam Schwenck Gilbert, Arthur Sullivan, The D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, Jean Hindmarsh, Isidore Godfrey
The Mikado, Act II: VI. A More Humane MikadoWilliam Schwenck Gilbert, Arthur Sullivan, The D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, Donald Adams, Isidore Godfrey
The Mikado, Act II: IX. The Flowers That Bloom In The SpringWilliam Schwenck Gilbert, Arthur Sullivan, The D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, Beryl Dixon, Jennifer Toye, Thomas Round, Jean Hindmarsh, Peter Pratt, Isidore Godfrey
The Mikado, Act II: XI. On A Tree By A River, A Little Tom-TitWilliam Schwenck Gilbert, Arthur Sullivan, The D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, Isidore Godfrey, Peter Pratt