Search - Oscar Straus, Thompson :: Chocolate Soldier

Delightful operetta.

D. R. Schryer | Poquoson, VA United States | 10/25/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"There are many operettas more famous than The Chocolate Soldier but few that are better. The plot is amusing and the musical score is filled with memorable tunes -- including the big hit, generally known as My Hero which recurs throughout the score. The Ohio Light Opera company is to be commended for making this delightfully tuneful gem available. But how long will it stay in the catalog? Who kows? If you like operetta/light opera, please treat yourself to The Chocolate Soldier while it's still available."

At last, complete!

F. Behrens | Keene, NH USA | 08/16/1999

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The really good news is that after offering us the very first complete (dialogue included) recording of Victor Herbert's Eileen, wonderful little Newport Classic now gives us a complete performance of Oscar Straus' The Chocolate Soldier (NPD 85650/2) with the Ohio Light Opera under J. Lynn Thompson. Be assured there is a new translation used here-no more of that horrible "Thou art divine" that Rise Stevens had to sing in the film-and the dialogue is intelligent for an operetta (a non Gilbert & Sullivan one, I mean) because it draws upon the wit of George Bernard Shaw (who had disassociated himself from the work and lost a fortune in royalties by doing so.) While it is not as consistently tuneful as Der Fledermaus-and what German operetta is?-there are enough pleasant tunes to keep you listening many times to this Newport offering. The soloists are never less than good: Suzanne Woods, Daniel Neer, Greta Feeney, John Pickle, Elizabeth Peterson, and others are having a lot of fun and it comes across. Of course my preference is to hear German works in German (I'm really being picky this week), but there is no harm in knowing what is being sung without a libretto. And Newport is to be congratulated for consistently giving with its CDs excellent notes and the full texts. Lovers of light opera should pounce on this one. And do not forget the Eileen on the same label. Buy one for yourself, one as a terrific gift for a discerning friend."

Chocolate Soldier a delicious treat

F. Behrens | 01/22/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The Ohio Light Opera is one of those "Best Kept Secrets" on the American cultural scene today. Why Opera News magazine doesn't do a big spread on this troupe out in Wooster Ohio is a mystery.
Perhaps because the main fare of this wonderful company is little known operetta material rather than the zillionth La boheme or traviata. Surely OLO is making more "news" than the less adventurous companies playing it safe with Verdi and Puccini. End of sermon. The fact here is that this lovely Oscar Straus (one "s," I think, and no family relationship with Johann or Richard) score has not been previously recorded, surely not complete with dialogue and music. The series of CDs this company has turned out recently does this very thing--for better or worse (some of the "books" are pretty antiquated)--but as a nostalgic and musical docoumenting of works which were somehow relevant 100 years ago and can still move us with their charming musical scores, this work is terrific.Suzanne Woods in the principal soprano role is creamy and wonderful and the Ohio Light Opera orchestra most tuneful. The live recording is often just a little distracting, but one can imagine the shenanigans onstage and feel all the fun both cast and audience are having with the production. So, why not. Newport Classics is/are to be thanked for their courage in bringing this dellightful stuff from another time to us. Thanks."