Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Arthur Sullivan's vocal artistry with this comprehensive collection of his songs, released by Chandos in 2017. Spanning a generous 2 hours and 26 minutes, this album offers a deep dive into the composer's versatility and mastery of the vocal form. With 46 tracks, it showcases Sullivan's ability to blend operatic grandeur with intimate lyricism, featuring both well-known pieces and hidden gems.
The album opens with Sullivan's "Five Shakespeare Songs," a delightful set of compositions that demonstrate his skill in setting the Bard's words to music. From the playful "Orpheus with his lute" to the poignant "Rosalind," these songs highlight Sullivan's gift for dramatic storytelling. The collection also includes a variety of other works, such as the haunting "Tears, idle tears" and the whimsical "What does little birdie say?", showcasing Sullivan's range and his ability to evoke a wide array of moods and atmospheres.
This album is not just a celebration of Arthur Sullivan's vocal music but also a testament to his enduring legacy. Known for his collaborations with W.S. Gilbert, Sullivan's works include 24 operas, 11 major orchestral works, and numerous choral pieces. This collection offers a unique opportunity to explore the depth and breadth of his musical output, making it an essential addition to any classical music enthusiast's library.
The performances on this album are brought to life by a talented ensemble of singers and pianists, including Mary Bevan, Ben Johnson, Ashley Riches, and David Owen Norris. Their interpretations bring out the nuances and subtleties of Sullivan's compositions, providing a rich and engaging listening experience. Whether you're a longtime fan of Arthur Sullivan or a newcomer to his music, this album is sure to captivate and inspire.
2017 Chandos Records2017 Chandos Records
Tracks
Five Shakespeare Songs: III. Sign no more, LadiesArthur Sullivan, Ben Johnson, David Owen Norris
Five Shakespeare Songs: I. Orpheus with his luteArthur Sullivan, Mary Bevan, David Owen Norris
Five Shakespeare Songs: II. O mistress mineArthur Sullivan, Ashley Riches, David Owen Norris
Five Shakespeare Songs: IV. The Willow SongArthur Sullivan, Mary Bevan, David Owen Norris
Five Shakespeare Songs: V. RosalindArthur Sullivan, Ben Johnson, David Owen Norris
Love laid his sleepless headArthur Sullivan, Mary Bevan, David Owen Norris
The Merchant of Venice: II. Barcarole, "Nel ciel seren" (Version for Voice and Piano)Arthur Sullivan, Ben Johnson, David Owen Norris
The Tempest, Op. 1: XIII. Where the Bee Sucks (Version for Voice and Piano)Arthur Sullivan, Mary Bevan, David Owen Norris
I wish to tune my quivering lyreArthur Sullivan, Ashley Riches, David Owen Norris
Sweet DayArthur Sullivan, Ben Johnson, David Owen Norris
Arabian Love SongArthur Sullivan, Mary Bevan, David Owen Norris
Birds in the nightArthur Sullivan, Mary Bevan, David Owen Norris
A life that lives for youArthur Sullivan, Ashley Riches, David Owen Norris
Once againArthur Sullivan, Ben Johnson, David Owen Norris
Golden DaysArthur Sullivan, Ashley Riches, David Owen Norris
Guinevere!Arthur Sullivan, Mary Bevan, David Owen Norris
None but I can sayArthur Sullivan, Ashley Riches, David Owen Norris
O IsraelArthur Sullivan, Mary Bevan, David Owen Norris
St Agnes' EveArthur Sullivan, Mary Bevan, David Owen Norris
Edward GrayArthur Sullivan, Ashley Riches, David Owen Norris
What does little birdie say?Arthur Sullivan, Mary Bevan, David Owen Norris
O swallow, swallowArthur Sullivan, Ben Johnson, David Owen Norris
Tears, idle tearsArthur Sullivan, Ashley Riches, David Owen Norris
The Window, "The Song of the Wrens": I. On the HillArthur Sullivan, Ben Johnson, David Owen Norris
The Window, "The Song of the Wrens": II. At the WindowArthur Sullivan, Ben Johnson, David Owen Norris
The Window, "The Song of the Wrens": III. Gone!Arthur Sullivan, Ben Johnson, David Owen Norris
The Window, "The Song of the Wrens": IV. WinterArthur Sullivan, Ben Johnson, David Owen Norris
The Window, "The Song of the Wrens": V. SpringArthur Sullivan, Ben Johnson, David Owen Norris
The Window, "The Song of the Wrens": VI. The LetterArthur Sullivan, Ben Johnson, David Owen Norris
The Window, "The Song of the Wrens": VII. No Answer (The mist and the rain)Arthur Sullivan, Ben Johnson, David Owen Norris
The Window, "The Song of the Wrens": VIII. No Answer (Winds are loud and you are dumb)Arthur Sullivan, Ben Johnson, David Owen Norris
The Window, "The Song of the Wrens": IX. The AnswerArthur Sullivan, Ben Johnson, David Owen Norris
The Window, "The Song of the Wrens": X. When?Arthur Sullivan, Ben Johnson, David Owen Norris
The Window, "The Song of the Wrens": XI. Marriage MorningArthur Sullivan, Ben Johnson, David Owen Norris
An Old Jew: Bid me at least goodbye (Version for Voice and Piano)Arthur Sullivan, Ashley Riches, David Owen Norris
The Profligate: E tu nol sai (Version for Voice and Piano)Arthur Sullivan, Ben Johnson, David Owen Norris
Ich möchte hinaus es jauchzenArthur Sullivan, Ashley Riches, David Owen Norris
Lied mit Thränen halb geschriebenArthur Sullivan, Ben Johnson, David Owen Norris
Oh! ma charmanteArthur Sullivan, Ashley Riches, David Owen Norris
I would I were a KingArthur Sullivan, Ashley Riches, David Owen Norris
Sad MemoriesArthur Sullivan, Mary Bevan, David Owen Norris
EverArthur Sullivan, Ben Johnson, David Owen Norris
Mary MorisonArthur Sullivan, Ashley Riches, David Owen Norris
Old Love LettersArthur Sullivan, Mary Bevan, David Owen Norris
County GuyArthur Sullivan, Ashley Riches, David Owen Norris
SweetheartsArthur Sullivan, Mary Bevan, Ashley Riches, David Owen Norris
Arthur Sullivan, born in London in 1842, was a prolific English composer whose name is synonymous with the golden age of Victorian comic opera. His most enduring legacy is his collaboration with the librettist W. S. Gilbert, with whom he created a series of wildly popular and enduring Savoy Operas, including "H.M.S. Pinafore," "The Pirates of Penzance," and "The Mikado." These works, known for their wit, satire, and memorable tunes, remain staples of the operatic repertoire and have been performed and enjoyed by audiences worldwide. Beyond his operatic collaborations, Sullivan's compositions span a wide range of genres, including symphonies, concertos, choral works, hymns, and songs. His hymns, such as "Onward, Christian Soldiers," have become beloved standards in churches and concert halls alike. Sullivan's musical style, characterized by its lyrical melodies and inventive harmonies, reflects his deep understanding of both classical and popular music traditions. His contributions to music have left an indelible mark on the cultural landscape, and his works continue to captivate and inspire audiences today.
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Arthur Sullivan
