Dive into the enchanting world of Arthur Sullivan's early operatic works with this captivating collection, featuring two of his most delightful compositions: "The Contrabandista" and "The Foresters." Released in 2004 by Hyperion, this album offers a unique glimpse into Sullivan's burgeoning talent as a composer, showcasing his knack for crafting memorable melodies and witty lyrics.
"The Contrabandista," Sullivan's first two-act comic opera, premiered in 1867 and is a delightful farce set in a smugglers' den. With its catchy tunes and humorous dialogue, this opera is a testament to Sullivan's ability to blend comedy and music seamlessly. The album features a stellar cast of vocalists, including Ashley Catling, Catherine Hopper, Claire Rutter, and Donald Maxwell, who bring the characters to life with their impressive vocal prowess.
"The Foresters," on the other hand, is a set of incidental music composed by Sullivan for a play that premiered in 1893. This collection of nine movements is a beautiful blend of Sullivan's signature style and the romanticism of the late 19th century. The music is both evocative and enchanting, transporting the listener to the lush forests and mystical realms of the play.
With a total duration of 1 hour and 16 minutes, this album is a treasure trove of Sullivan's early works. The detailed notes and stunning artwork on the front cover add to the overall appeal of the album, making it a valuable addition to any classical music enthusiast's collection. Whether you're a fan of Sullivan's work or a newcomer to his music, this album is sure to captivate and delight.
The Contrabandista, Act I: No. 1. IntroductionArthur Sullivan, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
The Contrabandista, Act I: No. 2, Duet and Chorus. Hush! Not a Step (Sancho/José)Arthur Sullivan, Donald Maxwell, Geoffrey Moses, New London Orchestra, The London Chorus, Ronald Corp
The Contrabandista, Act I: No. 3, Song. Let Others Seek the Peaceful Plain (Inez)Arthur Sullivan, New London Orchestra, Frances McCafferty, Ronald Corp
The Contrabandista, Act I: No. 4, Quintet. Hand of Fate! (José/Vasquez/Sancho/Inez/Rita)Arthur Sullivan, Donald Maxwell, Claire Rutter, Ashley Catling, Frances McCafferty, Ronald Corp, New London Orchestra, Geoffrey Moses
The Contrabandista, Act I: No. 5, Song. Only the Night Wind Sighs Alone (Rita)Arthur Sullivan, Claire Rutter, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
The Contrabandista, Act I: No. 6, Duet. A Guard by Night (Vasquez/Rita)Arthur Sullivan, Ashley Catling, Claire Rutter, Ronald Corp, New London Orchestra
The Contrabandista, Act I: No. 7, Song. From Rock to Rock (Mr Grigg)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Suart, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
The Contrabandista, Act I: No. 8, Trio. Hullo! What's That? (José/Sancho/Mr Grigg)Arthur Sullivan, Donald Maxwell, Geoffrey Moses, Ronald Corp, Richard Suart, New London Orchestra
The Contrabandista, Act I: No. 9. DanceArthur Sullivan, Ronald Corp, New London Orchestra
The Contrabandista, Act I: No. 10, Finale. Hail to the Ancient Hat! (All)Arthur Sullivan, Donald Maxwell, The London Chorus, Geoffrey Moses, New London Orchestra, Richard Suart, Ronald Corp, Claire Rutter, Ashley Catling, Frances McCafferty
The Contrabandista, Act II: No. 1, Song. Wake, Gentle Maiden (Vasquez)Arthur Sullivan, Ashley Catling, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
The Contrabandista, Act II: No. 2, Duet. Let Hidalgos Be Proud of Their Breed (Inez/José)Arthur Sullivan, Donald Maxwell, Frances McCafferty, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
The Contrabandista, Act II: No. 3, Song. He Will Return (Rita)Arthur Sullivan, Claire Rutter, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
The Contrabandista, Act II: No. 4, Trio. Who'd to Be Robber-Chief Aspire (Inez/José/Mr Grigg)Arthur Sullivan, Donald Maxwell, Richard Suart, New London Orchestra, Frances McCafferty, Ronald Corp
The Contrabandista, Act II: No. 5, Song. I Fired Each Barrel (Mr Grigg)Arthur Sullivan, Ronald Corp, New London Orchestra, Richard Suart
The Contrabandista, Act II: No. 6, Finale. Have Pity, Sir! (All)Arthur Sullivan, Claire Rutter, Ashley Catling, The London Chorus, Ronald Corp, Richard Suart, New London Orchestra, Justin Bindley, Geoffrey Moses, Frances McCafferty, Donald Maxwell
The Foresters, Act I: No. 1, "The Bond". Song. The Warrior Earl of Allendale (Kate)Arthur Sullivan, Ronald Corp, New London Orchestra, Claire Rutter
The Foresters, Act I: No. 2, Song. Love Flew in at the Window (Marian)Arthur Sullivan, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp, Frances McCafferty
The Foresters, Act I: No. 3, Drinking Song. Long Live Richard! (Chorus)Arthur Sullivan, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp, The London Chorus
The Foresters, Act I: No. 4, Chorus. To Sleep! to Sleep!Arthur Sullivan, Ronald Corp, New London Orchestra, The London Chorus
The Foresters, Act II: No. 1, "The Flight of Marian". Song. There Is No Land Like England (Will Scarlet)Arthur Sullivan, New London Orchestra, Ashley Catling, Ronald Corp
The Foresters, Act II: No. 2, Scene. Evil Fairy! Do You Hear? (Fairy/Titania/Chorus)Arthur Sullivan, Catherine Hopper, Joanna Cohn, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp, The London Chorus
The Foresters, Act III: "The Crowning of Marian". Song. By All the Deer That Spring (Will Scarlet)Arthur Sullivan, New London Orchestra, Ashley Catling, Ronald Corp
The Foresters, Act IV: No. 1, "The Conclusion". Song. The Bee Buzz'd Up in the Heat (Marian)Arthur Sullivan, Frances McCafferty, Ronald Corp, New London Orchestra
The Foresters, Act IV: No. 2, Chorus and Dance. Now Is the King Home Again (All)Arthur Sullivan, Frances McCafferty, Joanna Cohn, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp, The London Chorus, Catherine Hopper, Ashley Catling, Claire Rutter
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
