Gilbert & Sullivan: H.M.S. Pinafore

Gilbert & Sullivan (Artist), D'Oyly Carte (Artist) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Audio CD (July 21, 1989)
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Polygram Records
• ASIN: B0000041Q4
• Average Customer Review: 4.2 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (16 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #168,495 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. The H.M.S. Pinafore: Overture

2. The H.M.S. Pinafore: Act One - We Shall Sail The Ocean Blue

3. The H.M.S. Pinafore: Act One - Hail! Men O'war's Men

4. The H.M.S. Pinafore: Act One - The Nightingale Sighed

5. The H.M.S. Pinafore: Act One - A Maiden Fair To See

6. The H.M.S. Pinafore: Act One - My Gallant Crew, Good Morning

7. The H.M.S. Pinafore: Act One - Sir, You Are Sad

8. The H.M.S. Pinafore: Act One - Sorry Her Lot Who Loves Too Well

9. The H.M.S. Pinafore: Act One - Over The Bright Blue Sea

10. The H.M.S. Pinafore: Act One - Sir Joseph's Barge Is Seen

See all 15 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

1. The H.M.S. Pinafore: Entracte

2. The H.M.S. Pinafore: Act Two: Fair Moon To Thee I Sing

3. The H.M.S. Pinafore: Act Two: Things Are Seldom What They Seem

4. The H.M.S. Pinafore: Act Two: The Hours Creep On Apace

5. The H.M.S. Pinafore: Act Two: Never Mind The Why And Wherefore

6. The H.M.S. Pinafore: Act Two: Kind Captain, I've Important Information

7. The H.M.S. Pinafore: Act Two: Carefully On Tip-Toe Stealing

8. The H.M.S. Pinafore: Act Two: Farewell, My Own

9. The H.M.S. Pinafore: Act Two: A Many Years Ago

10. The H.M.S. Pinafore: Act Two: A Joy! Oh Rapture Unforeseen

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

21 of 21 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars D'Oyly Carte at its peak!, July 8, 2000

By 

Yi-Peng (Singapore) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Gilbert & Sullivan: H.M.S. Pinafore (Audio CD)

This is the finest D'Oyly Carte recordings of G&S, and one of the finest PINAFORE recordings. The cast on this recording is the best overall captured on record, and it would be hard to imagine a better performance by specialists as this. John Reed is a truly aristocratic Sir Joseph Porter; he is dry enough to make the part his own. Jeffrey Skitch makes a firm, strong first-class Captain, and the two lovers, Thomas Round and Jean Hindmarsh, sing with romanticism. Gillian Knight makes an impressive D'Oyly Carte debut as Little Buttercup, and George Cook as the Boatswain is perfectly resonant. As for the minor cast, Donald Adams makes an extremely menacing Dick Deadeye. The first-class choral singing and orchestral playing underpin the whole piece, and the present digital remastering presents a version of the recording that never belies its age. A must for all Savoyards!

16 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Quintessential Pinafore Recording, January 14, 2000

By 

Tahoe Granny "mtnevada" (Incline Village, NV United States) - See all my reviews

Amazon Verified Purchase

This review is from: Gilbert & Sullivan: H.M.S. Pinafore (Audio CD)

There are many recordings of the G&S operas, but this remains one of the best. Since Pinafore is fairly short (espcially by Victorian standards) the addition of the dialogue adds immeasurably to the the experience. If you've never heard Pinafore, buy it and enjoy some of the merriest tunes ever written (not to mention one of the most implausible plots!) If you already know and enjoy Pinafore, this is the one to buy. (BTW, Thomas Round, who sings the role of Ralph - prounced Rafe - is one of my all time favorite, albiet unknown, tenors!)

14 of 14 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A 'Golden-Age' recording, February 23, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Gilbert & Sullivan: H.M.S. Pinafore (Audio CD)

When Decca decided to re-record the Savoy Operas beginning with The Pirates of Penzance (1958) and The Mikado (1958), both with Peter Pratt in the comedy roles, it was an inspiration to hear John Reed in his first recorded role. The dialogue is vintage performance and the singing is uniformerly high in standard. 'Die-hards' of the G&S operas may feel Gillian Knight a little 'stiff' and too refined for Little Buttercup, but she had only just left the Royal College of Music, and had been given the then eight roles in repertory to learn within six weeks! She is now known for her immaculate performances and when recently seen in performance by myself, in the role of the Fairy Queen, Iolanthe, she was superlative. Isidore Godfrey as conductor lovingly directs the music with such affection and discipline. The whole cast rises to the challenge set by him. Do get this recording, it is a must. DO NOT LOSE THE CHANCE OF OWNING ONE OF THE GREAT G&S RECORDINGS OF ALL-TIME.