Customer Reviews

Gilbert & Sullivan: Pirates Of Penzance

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(1)
3 star:		(0)
2 star:		(0)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

This is the first digital D'Oyly Carte recording made straight after its reformation in the 1980s. While it may seem small-scale, it presents a firm, first-class performance. Eric Roberts, in his part of Major-General Stanley, really proves himself to be one of the greatest G&S veterans of our age, finding every existing nuance in the part. Malcolm Rivers makes a menacing Pirate King, with his leathery bass reminding one of Donald Adams' portrayal. The two lovers, Philip Cerasy and Marilyn Hill-Smith, sing with great charm and with romanticism. Susan Gritton's Ruth is firm and commanding. But possibly the most resonant part is Simon Masterton-Smith's resonant Sergeant of Police, whose portrayal, like Owen Brannigan, is resonant. He brings a certain individuality into the part, adding his own touches of Cockney accent. The chorus is first-class, and John Pryce-Jones draws beautiful sounds from his crisply and well-disciplined orchestra. This is an extremely acceptable performance for anybody, even to those who want a well-recorded D'Oyly Carte performance in digital sound.

This was the first recording made by the revived D'Oyly Carte Opera company which was temporarily disbanded in 1982. Its reappearance was all the more welcome for this wonderful set. Crisp, imaginative conducting, fresh and articulate choral singing and inspired leads make this the best Pirates in the catalogue. Some may carp that it lacks the dialogue, which was included in an earlier D'Oyly Carte set, but it is a very minor drawback. Listening to this set was like hearing the opera for the first time. A wonderful recording full of revelations.

The chorus is fresh, as noted. I don't know how much Malcolm Rivers reminds me of Donald Adams, but he sings well enough.

Marilyn Hill Smith makes a pretty good Mabel, though the high E-flat at the end of "Poor wand'ring one" is really pushing her range. She takes about every high note possible, even hitting the E-flat again at the end. She does well in the bit of dialogue included ("Sargent, approach")

Perhaps the biggest distinction of this set is the added materials of the finale. Originally, a form of Captain Corcoran's "Hardly ever" line was applied to the pirates in the Act II finale ("What all?").

The Sargent's accent is an acquired taste, which you may or may not acquire. I thought it sounded a bit forced, but that may be just me.

John Pryce-Jones' tempi are more believable here than in other issues he conducted. The track division for the opening chorus is strange. Rather than tracking to the beginning of the Act 1 music, Sony placed the division a few seconds before the chorus begins singing, leaving some of the piece attached to the Overture.

In short, this recording is probably best purchased in addition to, rather than in place of, the fine 1968 D'Oyly Carte recording with dialogue. The latter is also less expensive.

I was looking for particular CD set with a booklet that looked like the one I've lost. So I am happy!