Immerse yourself in the delightful world of Arthur Sullivan's early operettas with this enchanting album, featuring the full-length performances of "Cox and Box" and "Trial by Jury." Recorded in 2004 and released in June 2005 under the Chandos label, this collection showcases Sullivan's mastery of comic opera, offering a unique blend of humor, wit, and memorable melodies.
"Cox and Box" marks Sullivan's first foray into the realm of comic opera, demonstrating his exceptional talent and musical prowess. This charming farce follows the misadventures of two lodgers who share a room and a penchant for causing chaos. With a stellar cast, including James Gilchrist as Box and a baritone voice, the performance brings Sullivan's score to life with vivid characterizations and lively pacing.
"Trial by Jury" complements "Cox and Box" perfectly, offering a satirical look at the British legal system. This one-act opera features a memorable ensemble of characters, including a defiant plaintiff, a charming defendant, and a wise-cracking judge. The performance is led by the esteemed conductor Richard Hickox, who guides the cast through Sullivan's intricate score with precision and flair.
With a total duration of 68 minutes, this album is a treasure trove of Sullivan's early compositions, providing a fascinating glimpse into his development as a composer. The album's 31 tracks offer a comprehensive exploration of Sullivan's unique style, from the playful antics of "Cox and Box" to the witty repartee of "Trial by Jury." Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to captivate and entertain.
2005 Chandos Records2005 Chandos Records
Tracks
Cox and Box: OvertureArthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales
Cox and Box: It Seemed Like Just Another Day… (Bouncer)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Donald Maxwell
Cox and Box: Rataplan. Yes, Yes, in Those Merry Days (Bouncer)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Donald Maxwell
Cox and Box: Now, for Some Reason or Other (Bouncer)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Donald Maxwell
Cox and Box: Stay, Bouncer, Stay! (Cox, Bouncer)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Neal Davies, Donald Maxwell
Cox and Box: At Last He Left (Bouncer)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Donald Maxwell
Cox and Box: A Lullaby. Hush'd is the Bacon on the Grid (Box)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, James Gilchrist
Cox and Box: My Master Is Punctual (Cox)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Neal Davies
Cox and Box: Disaster! (Bouncer)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Donald Maxwell
Cox and Box: Who Are You, Sir? (Cox, Box, Bouncer)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Neal Davies, James Gilchrist, Donald Maxwell
Cox and Box: Not Even Rataplan Could Settle This… (Bouncer)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Donald Maxwell
Cox and Box: Serenade. The Buttercup (Cox, Box)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Neal Davies, James Gilchrist
Cox and Box: Music, It Seemed, Wasn't Their Only Mutual Interest (Bouncer)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Donald Maxwell
Cox and Box: Not Long Ago (Box, Cox)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, James Gilchrist, Neal Davies
Cox and Box: An Ingenious Scheme (Bouncer)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Donald Maxwell
Cox and Box: Finale. My Hand Upon It (Box, Bouncer)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, James Gilchrist, Donald Maxwell
Trial by Jury: Hark, the Hour of Ten is Sounding (Usher, Chorus)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Neal Davies, Chamber Choir of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Trial by Jury: Is this the Court of the Exchequer? (Defendant, Usher, Chorus of Jurymen)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, James Gilchrist, Neal Davies, Chamber Choir of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Trial by Jury: When First My Old, Old Love I Knew (Defendant, Usher, Chorus of Jurymen)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, James Gilchrist, Neal Davies, Chamber Choir of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Trial by Jury: All Hail, Great Judge! (Judge, Chorus)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Donald Maxwell, Chamber Choir of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Trial by Jury: When I, Good Friends… (Judge, Chorus)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Donald Maxwell, Chamber Choir of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Trial by Jury: Swear Thou the Jury (Counsel, Usher, Jury)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Matthew Brook, Neal Davies, Chamber Choir of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Trial by Jury: Where's the Plaintiff? (Counsel, Usher, Plaintiff, Chorus of Bridesmaids)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Matthew Brook, Neal Davies, Rebecca Evans, Chamber Choir of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Trial by Jury: Oh Never, Never, Never… (Judge, Foreman, Plaintiff, Usher, Chorus)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Donald Maxwell, David Thaxton, Rebecca Evans, Neal Davies, Chamber Choir of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Trial by Jury: May It Please You, M'lud! (Counsel, Plaintiff, Judge, Foreman, Usher, Defendant, Chorus)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Matthew Brook, Rebecca Evans, Donald Maxwell, David Thaxton, Neal Davies, James Gilchrist
Trial by Jury: That She is Reeling is Plain to See! (Judge, Foreman, Plaintiff, Counsel, Defendant, Usher, Foreman)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Donald Maxwell, David Thaxton, Rebecca Evans, Matthew Brook, James Gilchrist, Neal Davies
Trial by Jury: Oh Gentlemen Listen I Pray (Defendant, Chorus of Bridesmaids)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, James Gilchrist, Chamber Choir of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Trial by Jury: That Seems a Reasonable Proposition (Judge, Counsel, Chorus)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Donald Maxwell, Matthew Brook, Chamber Choir of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Trial by Jury: A Nice Dilemma We Have Here (Judge, Counsel, Defendant, Plaintiff, Usher, Foreman, Chorus)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Donald Maxwell, Matthew Brook, James Gilchrist, Rebecca Evans, Neal Davies, David Thaxton
Trial by Jury: I Love Him - I Love Him (Plaintiff, Defendant, Judge, Counsel, Foreman, Chorus)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Rebecca Evans, James Gilchrist, Donald Maxwell, Matthew Brook, David Thaxton, Chamber Choir of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Trial by Jury: Oh Joy Unbounded (Plaintiff, Counsel, Defendant, Usher, Judge, Foreman, Chorus)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Rebecca Evans, Matthew Brook, James Gilchrist, Neal Davies, Donald Maxwell, David Thaxton
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.
Vinylscout
Arthur Sullivan
