Dive into the enchanting world of Arthur Sullivan's timeless masterpiece, "The Mikado," a comic opera that has captivated audiences for over a century. This 2001 release by Naxos brings you the full, unabridged experience of Sullivan's ninth collaboration with librettist W. S. Gilbert, featuring a stellar cast and a rich, immersive soundtrack that spans over an hour and twenty minutes.
"The Mikado; or, The Town of Titipu" is a delightful journey through a whimsical tale filled with humor, wit, and unforgettable melodies. From the iconic overture to the grand finale, each track is a testament to Sullivan's genius and Gilbert's sharp, clever writing. The opera's enduring popularity is a testament to its universal appeal, making it a beloved classic in the world of opera.
This album features a comprehensive tracklist, including all the beloved arias and ensemble pieces from both acts of the opera. From the lively "Three little maids from school" to the poignant "The flowers that bloom in the spring," every moment is brought to life with vivid detail and musical brilliance. The recording, originally performed by the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company in 1950, has been meticulously preserved and presented in this 2001 release, ensuring that the magic of the original performance is captured for modern audiences to enjoy.
Arthur Sullivan, renowned for his collaborations with Gilbert, has crafted a score that is as innovative as it is entertaining. The Mikado showcases his mastery of melody and harmony, creating a soundtrack that is both memorable and deeply satisfying. Whether you are a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.
2001 Naxos2001 (P) Naxos
Tracks
The Mikado, Act I: OvertureArthur Sullivan, Darrell Fancourt, Leonard Osborn, Martyn Green, Richard Watson, Alan Styler, Margaret Mitchell, Joan Gillingham, Joyce Wright, Ella Hallman, The D'Oyly Carte Opera Chorus, New Promenade Orchestra, Isidore Godfrey
The Mikado, Act I: If you want to know who we Are (Chorus of Nobles)Arthur Sullivan, Darrell Fancourt, Leonard Osborn, Martyn Green, Richard Watson, Alan Styler, Margaret Mitchell, Joan Gillingham, Joyce Wright, Ella Hallman, The D'Oyly Carte Opera Chorus, New Promenade Orchestra, Isidore Godfrey
The Mikado, Act I: Recitative. Gentlemen, I pray you (Nanki-Poo)Arthur Sullivan, Darrell Fancourt, Leonard Osborn, Martyn Green, Richard Watson, Alan Styler, Margaret Mitchell, Joan Gillingham, Joyce Wright, Ella Hallman, The D'Oyly Carte Opera Chorus, New Promenade Orchestra, Isidore Godfrey
The Mikado, Act I: A Wand'ring Minstrel I (Nanki-Poo, Chorus)Arthur Sullivan, Darrell Fancourt, Leonard Osborn, Martyn Green, Richard Watson, Alan Styler, Margaret Mitchell, Joan Gillingham, Joyce Wright, Ella Hallman, The D'Oyly Carte Opera Chorus, New Promenade Orchestra, Isidore Godfrey
The Mikado, Act I: Our great Mikado, virtuous man (Pish-Tush, Chorus)Arthur Sullivan, Darrell Fancourt, Leonard Osborn, Martyn Green, Richard Watson, Alan Styler, Margaret Mitchell, Joan Gillingham, Joyce Wright, Ella Hallman, The D'Oyly Carte Opera Chorus, New Promenade Orchestra, Isidore Godfrey
The Mikado, Act I: Young Man, Despair (Pooh-Bah. Nanki-Poo, Pish-Tush)Arthur Sullivan, Darrell Fancourt, Leonard Osborn, Martyn Green, Richard Watson, Alan Styler, Margaret Mitchell, Joan Gillingham, Joyce Wright, Ella Hallman, The D'Oyly Carte Opera Chorus, New Promenade Orchestra, Isidore Godfrey
The Mikado, Act I: Recitative. And have I journeyed for a month (Nanki-Poo, Pooh-Bah)Arthur Sullivan, Darrell Fancourt, Leonard Osborn, Martyn Green, Richard Watson, Alan Styler, Margaret Mitchell, Joan Gillingham, Joyce Wright, Ella Hallman, The D'Oyly Carte Opera Chorus, New Promenade Orchestra, Isidore Godfrey
The Mikado, Act I: Behold the Lord High Executioner - Taken from a country jail (Chorus of Nobles, Ko-Ko)Arthur Sullivan, Darrell Fancourt, Leonard Osborn, Martyn Green, Richard Watson, Alan Styler, Margaret Mitchell, Joan Gillingham, Joyce Wright, Ella Hallman, The D'Oyly Carte Opera Chorus, New Promenade Orchestra, Isidore Godfrey
The Mikado, Act I: As some day It may happen (Ko-Ko, Chorus of Men)Arthur Sullivan, Darrell Fancourt, Leonard Osborn, Martyn Green, Richard Watson, Alan Styler, Margaret Mitchell, Joan Gillingham, Joyce Wright, Ella Hallman, The D'Oyly Carte Opera Chorus, New Promenade Orchestra, Isidore Godfrey
The Mikado, Act I: Comes a train of little ladies (Chorus of Girls)Arthur Sullivan, Darrell Fancourt, Leonard Osborn, Martyn Green, Richard Watson, Alan Styler, Margaret Mitchell, Joan Gillingham, Joyce Wright, Ella Hallman, The D'Oyly Carte Opera Chorus, New Promenade Orchestra, Isidore Godfrey
The Mikado, Act I: Three little maids from school (Yum-Yum, Peep-Bo, Pitti-Sing, Chorus of Girls)Arthur Sullivan, Darrell Fancourt, Leonard Osborn, Martyn Green, Richard Watson, Alan Styler, Margaret Mitchell, Joan Gillingham, Joyce Wright, Ella Hallman, The D'Oyly Carte Opera Chorus, New Promenade Orchestra, Isidore Godfrey
The Mikado, Act I: So please you sir, we much regret (Yum-Yum, Peep-Bo, Pitti-Sing, Pooh-Bah)Arthur Sullivan, Darrell Fancourt, Leonard Osborn, Martyn Green, Richard Watson, Alan Styler, Margaret Mitchell, Joan Gillingham, Joyce Wright, Ella Hallman, The D'Oyly Carte Opera Chorus, New Promenade Orchestra, Isidore Godfrey
The Mikado, Act I: Were you not to Ko-Ko plighted (Yum-Yum, Nanki-Poo)Arthur Sullivan, Darrell Fancourt, Leonard Osborn, Martyn Green, Richard Watson, Alan Styler, Margaret Mitchell, Joan Gillingham, Joyce Wright, Ella Hallman, The D'Oyly Carte Opera Chorus, New Promenade Orchestra, Isidore Godfrey
The Mikado, Act I: I am so proud (Pooh-Bah, Ko-Ko, Pish-Tush)Arthur Sullivan, Darrell Fancourt, Leonard Osborn, Martyn Green, Richard Watson, Alan Styler, Margaret Mitchell, Joan Gillingham, Joyce Wright, Ella Hallman, The D'Oyly Carte Opera Chorus, New Promenade Orchestra, Isidore Godfrey
The Mikado, Act I: Finale (Chorus, Pooh-Bah, Pish-Tush, Yum-Yum, Peep-Bo, Pitti-Sing, Ko-Ko, Katisha, Ensemble)Arthur Sullivan, Darrell Fancourt, Leonard Osborn, Martyn Green, Richard Watson, Alan Styler, Margaret Mitchell, Joan Gillingham, Joyce Wright, Ella Hallman, The D'Oyly Carte Opera Chorus, New Promenade Orchestra, Isidore Godfrey
The Mikado, Act II: Braid the raven hair (Pitti-Sing, Chorus of Girls)Arthur Sullivan, Darrell Fancourt, Leonard Osborn, Martyn Green, Richard Watson, Alan Styler, Margaret Mitchell, Joan Gillingham, Joyce Wright, Ella Hallman, The D'Oyly Carte Opera Chorus, New Promenade Orchestra, Isidore Godfrey
The Mikado, Act II: The sun whose rays Are all ablaze (Yum-Yum)Arthur Sullivan, Darrell Fancourt, Leonard Osborn, Martyn Green, Richard Watson, Alan Styler, Margaret Mitchell, Joan Gillingham, Joyce Wright, Ella Hallman, The D'Oyly Carte Opera Chorus, New Promenade Orchestra, Isidore Godfrey
The Mikado, Act II: Brightly dawns our wedding day (Yum-Yum, Pitti Sing, Nanki-Poo, Pish-Tush)Arthur Sullivan, Darrell Fancourt, Leonard Osborn, Martyn Green, Richard Watson, Alan Styler, Margaret Mitchell, Joan Gillingham, Joyce Wright, Ella Hallman, The D'Oyly Carte Opera Chorus, New Promenade Orchestra, Isidore Godfrey
The Mikado, Act II: Here's a how-de-do! (Yum-Yum, Nanki-Poo, Ko-Ko)Arthur Sullivan, Darrell Fancourt, Leonard Osborn, Martyn Green, Richard Watson, Alan Styler, Margaret Mitchell, Joan Gillingham, Joyce Wright, Ella Hallman, The D'Oyly Carte Opera Chorus, New Promenade Orchestra, Isidore Godfrey
The Mikado, Act II: Miya Sama, "March of the Mikado's Troops" (Chorus)Arthur Sullivan, Darrell Fancourt, Leonard Osborn, Martyn Green, Richard Watson, Alan Styler, Margaret Mitchell, Joan Gillingham, Joyce Wright, Ella Hallman, The D'Oyly Carte Opera Chorus, New Promenade Orchestra, Isidore Godfrey
The Mikado, Act II: From every kind of man (Mikado, Katisha)Arthur Sullivan, Darrell Fancourt, Leonard Osborn, Martyn Green, Richard Watson, Alan Styler, Margaret Mitchell, Joan Gillingham, Joyce Wright, Ella Hallman, The D'Oyly Carte Opera Chorus, New Promenade Orchestra, Isidore Godfrey
The Mikado, Act II: A more humane Mikado - My object all sublime (Mikado, Chorus)Arthur Sullivan, Darrell Fancourt, Leonard Osborn, Martyn Green, Richard Watson, Alan Styler, Margaret Mitchell, Joan Gillingham, Joyce Wright, Ella Hallman, The D'Oyly Carte Opera Chorus, New Promenade Orchestra, Isidore Godfrey
The Mikado, Act II: The criminal cried, as he dropped him down (Ko-Ko, Pitti-Sing, Pooh-Bah, Chorus)Arthur Sullivan, Darrell Fancourt, Leonard Osborn, Martyn Green, Richard Watson, Alan Styler, Margaret Mitchell, Joan Gillingham, Joyce Wright, Ella Hallman, The D'Oyly Carte Opera Chorus, New Promenade Orchestra, Isidore Godfrey
The Mikado, Act II: See how the fates their gifts allot (Mikado, Pitti-Sing, Katisha, Ko-Ko, Pooh-Bah)Arthur Sullivan, Darrell Fancourt, Leonard Osborn, Martyn Green, Richard Watson, Alan Styler, Margaret Mitchell, Joan Gillingham, Joyce Wright, Ella Hallman, The D'Oyly Carte Opera Chorus, New Promenade Orchestra, Isidore Godfrey
The Mikado, Act II: The flowers That bloom in the spring (Nanki-Poo, Ko-Ko, Yum-Yum, Pitti-Sing, Pooh-Bah)Arthur Sullivan, Darrell Fancourt, Leonard Osborn, Martyn Green, Richard Watson, Alan Styler, Margaret Mitchell, Joan Gillingham, Joyce Wright, Ella Hallman, The D'Oyly Carte Opera Chorus, New Promenade Orchestra, Isidore Godfrey
The Mikado, Act II: Alone and yet alive - Hearts do not break (Katisha)Arthur Sullivan, Darrell Fancourt, Leonard Osborn, Martyn Green, Richard Watson, Alan Styler, Margaret Mitchell, Joan Gillingham, Joyce Wright, Ella Hallman, The D'Oyly Carte Opera Chorus, New Promenade Orchestra, Isidore Godfrey
The Mikado, Act II: On a tree by a river, "Willow titwillow" (Ko-Ko)Arthur Sullivan, Darrell Fancourt, Leonard Osborn, Martyn Green, Richard Watson, Alan Styler, Margaret Mitchell, Joan Gillingham, Joyce Wright, Ella Hallman, The D'Oyly Carte Opera Chorus, New Promenade Orchestra, Isidore Godfrey
The Mikado, Act II: There Is beauty in the bellow of the blast (Katisha, Ko-Ko)Arthur Sullivan, Darrell Fancourt, Leonard Osborn, Martyn Green, Richard Watson, Alan Styler, Margaret Mitchell, Joan Gillingham, Joyce Wright, Ella Hallman, The D'Oyly Carte Opera Chorus, New Promenade Orchestra, Isidore Godfrey
The Mikado, Act II: Finale (Entire Company)Arthur Sullivan, Darrell Fancourt, Leonard Osborn, Martyn Green, Richard Watson, Alan Styler, Margaret Mitchell, Joan Gillingham, Joyce Wright, Ella Hallman, The D'Oyly Carte Opera Chorus, New Promenade Orchestra, Isidore Godfrey
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
