Search - Sir Arthur Sullivan :: Arthur Sullivan Centennial Commemorative

Ghastly, ghastly!

Andrew Greene | Sydney, NSW Australia | 07/19/2001

(1 out of 5 stars)

"Don't bother! This compilation bases its validity on the fact that they were recorded when major revivals of the pieces were being directed by Gilbert in the early twentieth century. However, none of the recorded performers were members of the company, so, apart from the fact that they probably saw the odd matinee, it does not have much to recommend it, particularly when the results are so variable. Being an acoustic recording, the orchestrations are heavily revised and the sound is fairly horrible. The most interesting results are the snatches of dialogue. For besotted devotees only."

Simply marvelous music, in a wonderful rendering.

Maurizio Giuliano | Sarajevo, Bosnia-Herzegovina | 02/03/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The "Yeoman of the Guard" is undoubtedly one of Gilbert & Sullivan's finest pieces. With Gilbert's witty words and the marvelous music composed by Sullivan, all in the fabulous atmosphere of the Tower of London and its picturesque surroundings, this is most definitely one of the most wonderful embodiments of the English spirit. And the same goes, to a good extent, to the "HMS Pinafore". This particular recording provides a true - that is to say, an excellent - rendering of these pieces, the best of English operetta. The level of the performers is excellent, and the quality of the sound is normal and genuinely fine (although, of course, you still won't feel as if you were in Covent Garden in person). I am horribly upset by the previous review, apparently written by someone from bottom-under who comments on our European music with no due respect and consideration towards Gilbert. Gilbert & Sullivan are and will always be one and the same, irreplaceable, thing. The fact that Gilbert himself directed these recordings, is already an assurance of their value."