The Pirates of Penzance

W. S. Gilbert (Composer), Arthur Sullivan (Composer), Isidore Godfrey (Conductor), Royal Philharmonic Orchestra (Orchestra), D'Oyly Carte Opera Company (Performer), John Reed (Performer), Donald Adams (Performer), George Cook (Performer), Philip Potter (Performer), Owen Brannigan (Performer) | Format: Audio CD

Product Details

• Performer: D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, John Reed, Donald Adams, George Cook, Philip Potter, et al.
• Orchestra: Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
• Conductor: Isidore Godfrey
• Composer: W. S. Gilbert, Arthur Sullivan
• Audio CD (July 21, 1989)
• Number of Discs: 2
• Label: Polygram Records
• ASIN: B0000041VF
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (10 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #159,139 in Music (See Top 100 in Music)

Track Listings

Disc: 1

1. The Pirates Of Penzance: Overture

2. The Pirates Of Penzance: Act 1: Pour, Oh Pour The Pirate Sherry

3. The Pirates Of Penzance: Act 1: When Fred'ric Was A Little Lad

4. The Pirates Of Penzance: Act 1: Oh, Better Far To Live And Die

5. The Pirates Of Penzance: Act 1: Oh, False One, You Have Deceived Me

6. The Pirates Of Penzance: Act 1: Climbing Over Rocky Mountain

7. The Pirates Of Penzance: Act 1: Stop! Ladies, Pray! A Man!

8. The Pirates Of Penzance: Act 1: Oh, There Is Not One Maiden Breast

9. The Pirates Of Penzance: Act 1: Oh, Sisters, Deaf To Pity's Name, For Shame!

10. The Pirates Of Penzance: Act 1: Poor Wand'ring One!

See all 15 tracks on this disc

Disc: 2

1. The Pirates Of Penzance: Act 1 : Oh, Men Of Dark And Dismal Fate

2. The Pirates Of Penzance: Act 1 : Hail Poetry, Thou Heav'n Born Maid!

3. The Pirates Of Penzance: Act 1 : You May Go, For You're At Liberty

4. The Pirates Of Penzance: Act 1 : Pray Observe The Magnanimity

5. The Pirates Of Penzance: Act 2: Oh, Dry The Glist'ning Tear

6. The Pirates Of Penzance: Act 2: Then Frederic

7. The Pirates Of Penzance: Act 2: When The Foeman Bares His Steel

8. The Pirates Of Penzance: Act 2: Now For The Pirates Lair!

9. The Pirates Of Penzance: Act 2: When You Had Left Our Pirate Fold

10. The Pirates Of Penzance: Act 2: Away, Away, My Heart's On Fire

See all 25 tracks on this disc

Editorial Reviews

Amazon.com

Owen Branigan almost steals the show with his portrayal of the flustered police sergeant (his rendition of his lot not being an 'appy one is worth the price of admission), but then again this Pirates is chock-full of terrific idiomatic singing. Donald Adams, for example, runs Branigan a close second as the pirate king, and the pair of lovers are endearing as well. Veteran Savoyard John Reed is a delicious Major General and Isidore Godfrey, the D'Oyly Carte's chief conductor for umpteen years, leads with élan. The recording dates from 1968, but you'd never know it; sonics are fresh as if they were recorded yesterday. Gilbert & Sullivan fans must have this version, which beats earlier D'Oyly Carte productions. If you must have all-digital though, Mackerras on Telarc leads a spunky performance. --Dan Davis

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

19 of 20 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Classic D'Oyly Carte performance !, March 12, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: The Pirates of Penzance (Audio CD)

When Decca decided to re-record the G&S operas they could not have chosen a better time to capture a superlative company. D'Oyly Carte were at their zenith in the 1960's and to hear such stalwarts as Donald Adams, Philip Potter, Valerie Masterson and John Reed together on a full recording is a chance not to be missed. John Reed would not have performed the role of Major General Stanley at the this point in his career, but his inclusion is obviously the 'selling' point. Owen Brannigan, as Sergeant of Police never performed with the company and was again an 'attraction' to buyers. He was noted for the more (dare we state) serious opera world and concert platform. When I first heard his rendition of the part I was not at all sure of his style. But, one cannot deny his individuality of performance which does, I must agree enhance the overall casting and performance quality. Just thrill at the lyricism of Philip Potter, surely the best tenor since Derek Oldham (1920's-30's). His dialogue I feel is too precious, but what glorious singing. He is certainly the singer to listen to for style and delivery of Gilbert and Sullivan melodies. Donald Adams gives a vintage performance, while Christene Palmer, as Ruth is superbly characterful. Go on, buy and relish such a wonderful, historical account.

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

4.0 out of 5 stars A good performance that loses some of its freshness, July 9, 2000

By 

Yi-Peng (Singapore) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Pirates of Penzance (Audio CD)

Even though the 1968 D'Oyly Carte stereo remake of PIRATES has been highly praised by its fans, I don't really think that this is a performance with lasting freshness. Firstly, John Reed, who is easily the selling part of this record, gives an impressive portrayal of the Major-General, but his voice is rather stale. And so is Donald Adamss in his vintage portrayal of the Pirate King. I have a strong feeling that he will be sounding better on the 1958 D'Oyly Carte recording. Philip Potter's Frederic and Valerie Masterson's Mabel make a pair of lovers that sound like ear candy, though I am sure to prefer Thomas Round's portrayal on the earlier set. Another selling point is Owen Brannigan's Sergeant of Police, with its highly special and individual portrayal, whose inclusion seems to be a little awkward. The chorus and orchestra, as always, are well-disciplined, with Godfrey adding his usual light glossy touch, even despite the cramped accoustics. Overall, I feel certain to recommend this to any Savoyard despite its faults, and I look forward to Decca (Polygram) reissuing the earlier 1958 stereo version on CD.

7 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Gilbert and Sullivan at their most comical!, September 5, 1999

By 

[e-mail] (England) - See all my reviews

This review is from: The Pirates of Penzance (Audio CD)

Pirates is ideal as a first taste of Gilbert and Sullivan as it is light hearted and funny too! The songs are extremely memorable and carry you along throughout until the end when you suddenly realise that you really want to listen to it all over again!