Customer Reviews

Gilbert & Sullivan: H.M.S. Pinafore

5 star:		(10)
4 star:		(3)
3 star:		(1)
2 star:		(1)
1 star:		(1)

 

 

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!

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!)

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.

This is unquestionably the best recording of PINAFORE available today; it, along with THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE and THE MIKADO, are Gilbert and Sullivan's most beloved operas (and for good reason--each is a masterpiece, plain and simple). Every member of the cast on this recording is strong--there isn't a weak link in the bunch, although Thomas Round, John Reed, and Donald Adams are particularly wonderful. Each of the songs are performed exquisitely, especially Josephine's gorgeous arias, Sir Joseph's satirical patter songs, and the charming "Never Mind the Why and Wherefore" (the most popular song in the show). Also since all of the dialogue has been included on these discs, the whimsical story of "love levelling all [social] ranks" can be followed fully and clearly. This disc has everything that's required to really enjoy H.M.S. PINAFORE, just as it has been enjoyed for over one hundred years.

For those of us for whom opera is just a bit "too much" Gilbert and Sullivan have created this romantic comedy set to delightful music. Following the story line is not difficult and every subsequent playing provides new discoveries. Even my children have gotten into it, although they're loathe to say so. Josephine and Rafe (sp?) have come alive for them and this can only be a good thing. Heck, someday it might answer a Jeopardy! question for them. Want to get into a good mood? Play this!

This is a wonderful production of Pinafore. I still remember summer camp back in the late thirties - I was a skinny young girl and played one of the sailors. Even if I weren't familiar with Gilbert and Sullivan, I would highly recommend this Doylye Carte arrangement. It's major terrific. Sounds lots better than we did.

I have a few versions of this wonderfully addictive opera, but I bought this one because my favorite was out of print when I looked for it on CD; I'm speaking of the tape RCA issued in New York in 1985. But don't panic if you can't find that particular one, because this CD actually comes reasonably close. Perhaps that's attributable to The D'Oyly Carte Opera Company being the original company Gilbert and Sullivan worked with. There is indeed a correct way to put on these operas, even with all the variations allowed; and getting the right Pinafore sound allows listeners to time travel right back to opening night. Pinafore was first staged in London in May of 1878, and saying it opened to acclaim is only part of the story. I'm not generally obsessive about Gilbert and Sullivan operas, in fact, I used to associate their music with sleepy old fuddy duddies. But Pinafore has a creative magic that is leaps and bounds above most anything ever recorded anytime and anywhere. This is not merely a personal observation, for when this opera first reached American audiences the press dubbed its reception as Pinaforemania. Pinaforemania held San Francisco's approval between the 1870s and 1890s, for example, being so popular that many unauthorized companies sprang up to fill the public's unwavering appetite. Perhaps in the last few centuries there's been bigger events in entertainment than Pinafore, such as the Beatles (I attended the Beatles' last big emotionally charged concert at the Cow Palace) or Elvis, but Pinafore is still among the heavyweights. I love it when Ralph (Rafe) Rackstraw goes into: "A maiden fair to see, The pearl of minstrelsy, A bud of blushing beauty; " The tone of voice is so peculiar that it always reminds me of my father's corny style when he sang at family gatherings long ago. He had been born in 1903, and when he got on a roll you knew you were listening to something precious. I also love Sir Joseph doing "When I was a lad I served a term, As office boy to an Attorney's firm. I cleaned the windows and I swept the floor, And I polished up the handle of the big front door." Or how about Little Buttercup with "I've snuff and tobaccy, and excellent jacky, I've scissors, and watches, and knives; I've ribbons and laces to set off the faces of pretty young sweethearts and wives." Anyway, if you haven't already caught Pinaforemania, don't be self-conscious about jumping in a little late.

I have heard this done at a faster tempo and felt this one dragged in spots. It was well sung and I always love Gilbert and Sullivan's work. It included the dialog between the musical Pieces.

Do something nice for yourself and purchase this wonderful recording of H.M.S. You are guaranteed many tune-filled, uplifting afternoons and will be humming the score for days!

This is an example of Gilbert and Sullivan at its best. Each actor supplies the emotion of the character wonderfully over the soundtrack. Since this was not recorded recently, the sound may not be pristine. An excellent light-hearted experience!