Dive into the rich tapestry of Arthur Sullivan's operatic genius with "The Yeomen of the Guard," a timeless masterpiece that stands out even among the prolific composer's extensive repertoire. Originally premiered in 1888, this Savoy Opera, with a libretto by W.S. Gilbert, offers a captivating blend of wit, satire, love, and sacrifice, all set against the historic backdrop of the Tower of London.
This 2017 release by Editions Audiovisuel Beulah captures the essence of Sullivan's grandest score, showcasing his ambition and skill beyond the typical Gilbert and Sullivan comedies. The album spans a duration of 1 hour and 26 minutes, featuring 22 tracks that meticulously follow the opera's two acts, from the stirring overture to the final, triumphant finale. Each track is a testament to Sullivan's musical prowess, with intricate orchestration that includes a second bassoon and bass trombone, adding depth and complexity to the score.
"The Yeomen of the Guard" is not just an opera; it's a journey through Sullivan's musical evolution, highlighting his ability to craft memorable melodies and engaging narratives. The opera's themes of love, sacrifice, and humor are brought to life through Sullivan's music, making it a beloved classic that continues to resonate with audiences today. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a compelling introduction to the world of Arthur Sullivan and his enduring legacy.
(C) 2017 Editions Audiovisuel Beulah(P) 2017 Editions Audiovisuel Beulah
Tracks
The Yeomen of the Guard: OvertureArthur Sullivan, Isidore Godfrey, New Promenade Orchestra
The Yeomen of the Guard, Act 1 Scene 1: When Maiden Loves She Sits and SighsArthur Sullivan, Isidore Godfrey, Ann Drummond-Grant, New Promenade Orchestra
The Yeoman of the Guard, Act 1 Scene 2: Tower Warders Under OrdersArthur Sullivan, Isidore Godfrey, Geoffrey Sanders, The D'Oyly Carte Opera Chorus, New Promenade Orchestra
The Yeoman of the Guard, Act 1 Scene 3: When Our Gallant Norman FoesArthur Sullivan, Isidore Godfrey, Ella Halman, New Promenade Orchestra
The Yeoman of the Guard, Act 1 Scene 4: Alas I Waver to and FroArthur Sullivan, Isidore Godfrey, Darrell Fancourt, New Promenade Orchestra
The Yeoman of the Guard, Act 1 Scene 5: Is Life a BoonArthur Sullivan, Isidore Godfrey, Leonard Osborn, New Promenade Orchestra
The Yeoman of the Guard, Act 1 Scene 6: Here's a Man of JollityArthur Sullivan, Martyn Green, Muriel Harding, The D'Oyly Carte Opera Chorus, New Promenade Orchestra
The Yeoman of the Guard, Act 1 Scene 7: I Have a Song to Sing OArthur Sullivan, Isidore Godfrey, Martyn Green, Muriel Harding, New Promenade Orchestra
The Yeoman of the Guard, Act 1 Scene 8: How Say You Maiden Will You Wed?Arthur Sullivan, Isidore Godfrey, Donald Harris, Martyn Green, Muriel Harding, New Promenade Orchestra
The Yeoman of the Guard, Act 1 Scene 9: I've Jibe and Joke and Quip and CrackArthur Sullivan, Isidore Godfrey, Martyn Green, New Promenade Orchestra
The Yeoman of the Guard, Act 1 Scene10: Tis Done I Am a BrideArthur Sullivan, Isidore Godfrey, Muriel Harding, New Promenade Orchestra
The Yeoman of the Guard, Act 1 Scene 11: Were I Thy BrideArthur Sullivan, Isidore Godfrey, Ann Drummond-Grant, New Promenade Orchestra
The Yeoman of the Guard, Act 1 FinaleArthur Sullivan, Isidore Godfrey, Donald Harris, Leonard Osborn, Darrell Fancourt, Neville Griffiths, Martyn Green, Geoffrey Sanders, Muriel Harding, Ann Drummond-Grant, Ella Halman, The D'Oyly Carte Opera Chorus, New Promenade Orchestra
The Yeoman of the Guard, Act 2 Scene 1: Night Has Spread Her Pall Once More Warders Are Ye?Arthur Sullivan, Isidore Godfrey, Ella Halman, New Promenade Orchestra
The Yeoman of the Guard, Act 2 Scene 2: Oh! a Private Buffoon Is a Light-Hearted LoonArthur Sullivan, Isidore Godfrey, Martyn Green, New Promenade Orchestra
The Yeoman of the Guard, Act 2 Scene 3: Hereupon We're Doth AgreeArthur Sullivan, Isidore Godfrey, Martyn Green, Richard Watson, New Promenade Orchestra
The Yeoman of the Guard, Act 2 Scene 4: Free from His Fetters GrimArthur Sullivan, Isidore Godfrey, Leonard Osborn, New Promenade Orchestra
The Yeoman of the Guard, Act 2 Scene 5: Strange AdventureArthur Sullivan, Isidore Godfrey, Leonard Osborn, Darrell Fancourt, Ella Halman, Deidree Thurlow, New Promenade Orchestra
The Yeoman of the Guard, Act 2 Scene 6: Hark! What Was That, Sir?Arthur Sullivan, Isidore Godfrey, Donald Harris, Leonard Osborn, Darrell Fancourt, Martyn Green, Richard Watson, Muriel Harding, Ann Drummond-Grant, Ella Halman, The D'Oyly Carte Opera Chorus, New Promenade Orchestra
The Yeoman of the Guard, Act 2 Scene 7: a Man Who Would Woo a Fair MaidArthur Sullivan, Isidore Godfrey, Leonard Osborn, Muriel Harding, Ann Drummond-Grant, The D'Oyly Carte Opera Chorus, New Promenade Orchestra
The Yeoman of the Guard, Act 2 Scene 8: When a Wooer Goes a WooingArthur Sullivan, Isidore Godfrey, Donald Harris, Leonard Osborn, Martyn Green, Muriel Harding, Ann Drummond-Grant, New Promenade Orchestra
The Yeoman of the Guard, Act 2 FinaleArthur Sullivan, Isidore Godfrey, Donald Harris, Leonard Osborn, Darrell Fancourt, Neville Griffiths, Martyn Green, Richard Watson, Geoffrey Sanders, Muriel Harding, Ann Drummond-Grant, Ella Halman, Deidree Thurlow, The D'Oyly Carte Opera Chorus, New Promenade Orchestra
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
