The Pirates Of Penzance Highlights

Dive into the enchanting world of Gilbert and Sullivan's timeless comedy with Arthur Sullivan's "The Pirates Of Penzance Highlights." This captivating collection, released on January 1, 2000, under the Maestoso label, offers a delightful selection of highlights from Sullivan's beloved operetta, "The Pirates of Penzance." Spanning a concise yet engaging 30 minutes, this album is a perfect introduction to Sullivan's genius and the enduring charm of Victorian-era opera.

The album features some of the most memorable and witty numbers from the operetta, including the iconic "I Am The Very Model Of A Modern Major-General," a patter song that showcases Sullivan's brilliant compositional skill and Gilbert's clever lyricism. Other standout tracks include the humorous "Oh, Better Far To Live And Die" and the romantic "Poor Wandering One," each offering a unique glimpse into the operetta's rich tapestry of characters and storylines.

Arthur Sullivan, the renowned composer behind this operatic gem, was a master of blending comedy and music, creating works that have stood the test of time. His collaboration with librettist W.S. Gilbert resulted in a series of operettas that remain staples of the operatic repertoire, with "The Pirates of Penzance" being one of the most beloved.

This highlights album is an excellent way to experience the magic of "The Pirates of Penzance" in a compact format. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this collection is sure to captivate and entertain. So, sit back, relax, and enjoy the timeless melodies and witty lyrics that have made "The Pirates of Penzance" a classic.

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.