Immerse yourself in the enchanting world of Arthur Sullivan's "The Golden Legend," a captivating cantata that has been beautifully preserved in this 2001 recording. Originally composed in 1886, this lesser-known gem of Sullivan's repertoire is brought to life with a vivid and melodious score that stands proudly among his finest works. The cantata, based on Henry Wadsworth Longfellow's 1851 poem of the same name, features a libretto by Joseph Bennett and is performed here by a stellar cast including Janice Watson, Jean Rigby, and Mark Wilde, accompanied by the New London Orchestra and The London Chorus under the direction of Ronald Corp.
"The Golden Legend" unfolds over a prologue and six scenes, culminating in a choral epilogue. Each section is rich with characterful choral singing, showcasing the full range of the London Chorus's talents. The narrative weaves a tale of faith, redemption, and the eternal struggle between good and evil, with Sullivan's signature wit and charm interspersed throughout. From the hauntingly beautiful "Evening Hymn 'O Gladsome Light'" to the dramatic "Choral Epilogue," the album offers a diverse and engaging listening experience that highlights Sullivan's mastery of both dramatic and lyrical composition.
Recorded in February 2001 at All Saints Church, Tooting, this album captures the essence of Sullivan's "The Golden Legend" in a way that is both authentic and accessible. Whether you are a longtime fan of Arthur Sullivan's work or a newcomer to his compositions, this recording of "The Golden Legend" is sure to captivate and inspire. With a running time of approximately 94 minutes, this album offers a substantial and rewarding listening experience that showcases the best of Sullivan's late Romantic style.
The Golden Legend: Prologue No. 1. Hasten! Hasten! O Ye Spirits! (Lucifer/Voices/Bells)Arthur Sullivan, New London Orchestra, Jeffrey Black, Ronald Corp, The London Chorus
The Golden Legend: Prologue No. 2. Nocte surgentes (Bells)Arthur Sullivan, New London Orchestra, The London Chorus, Ronald Corp
The Golden Legend, Scene 1: No. 1, IntroductionArthur Sullivan, Ronald Corp, New London Orchestra
The Golden Legend, Scene 1: No. 2, I Cannot Sleep! My Fevered Brain (Prince Henry)Arthur Sullivan, Mark Wilde, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
The Golden Legend, Scene 1: No. 3, All Hail, Prince Henry! (Lucifer/Prince Henry)Arthur Sullivan, Ronald Corp, Mark Wilde, New London Orchestra, Jeffrey Black
The Golden Legend, Scene 1: No. 4, Behold It Here! (Lucifer/Prince Henry/Angels)Arthur Sullivan, Ronald Corp, New London Orchestra, Mark Wilde, The London Chorus, Jeffrey Black
The Golden Legend, Scene 1: No. 5, Drink, Drink, and Thy Soul Shall Sink Down into the Deep Abyss (Lucifer/Prince Henry/Angels)Arthur Sullivan, The London Chorus, Ronald Corp, Mark Wilde, New London Orchestra, Jeffrey Black
The Golden Legend, Scene 2: No. 1, IntroductionArthur Sullivan, Ronald Corp, New London Orchestra
The Golden Legend, Scene 2: No. 2, Slowly, Slowly Up the Wall (Ursula)Arthur Sullivan, Jean Rigby, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
The Golden Legend, Scene 2: No. 3, Evening Hymn "O Gladsome Light" (Villagers/Prince Henry)Arthur Sullivan, The London Chorus, Ronald Corp, New London Orchestra, Mark Wilde
The Golden Legend, Scene 2: No. 4, Who Was It Said "Amen"? (Ursula/Elsie)Arthur Sullivan, New London Orchestra, Janice Watson, Jean Rigby, Ronald Corp
The Golden Legend, Scene 2: No. 5, I Heard Him Call. When Christ Ascended (Elsie/Ursula)Arthur Sullivan, New London Orchestra, Jean Rigby, Janice Watson, Ronald Corp
The Golden Legend, Scene 2: No. 6, My Redeemer and My Lord (Elsie)Arthur Sullivan, Janice Watson, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
The Golden Legend, Scene 2: No. 7, My Life Is Little (Elsie/Angels/Prince Henry)Arthur Sullivan, Janice Watson, Mark Wilde, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp, The London Chorus
The Golden Legend, Scene 3: No. 1, Onward and Onward the Highway Runs to the Distant City (Elsie/Prince Henry/Pilgrims)Arthur Sullivan, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp, The London Chorus, Janice Watson, Mark Wilde
The Golden Legend, Scene 3: No. 2, Here Am I, Too, in the Pious Band (Lucifer/Pilgrims/Elsie)Arthur Sullivan, Janice Watson, Jeffrey Black, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp, The London Chorus
The Golden Legend, Scene 3: No. 3, It Is the Sea (Prince Henry)Arthur Sullivan, Mark Wilde, Ronald Corp, New London Orchestra
The Golden Legend, Scene 3: No. 4, The Night Is Calm and Cloudless (Elsie/Attendants)Arthur Sullivan, Janice Watson, Ronald Corp, New London Orchestra, The London Chorus
The Golden Legend, Scene 4: No. 1, My Guests Approach! There Is in the Air (Lucifer)Arthur Sullivan, Jeffrey Black, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
The Golden Legend, Scene 4: No. 2, Can You Direct Us to Friar Angelo? (Prince Henry/Lucifer/Elsie)Arthur Sullivan, Janice Watson, Jeffrey Black, Mark Wilde, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
The Golden Legend, Scene 4: No. 3, O Pure in Heart! From Thy Sweet Dust Shall Grow Lilies (Attendants)Arthur Sullivan, Ronald Corp, New London Orchestra, The London Chorus
The Golden Legend, Scene 4: No. 4, Weep Not, My Friends! Rather Rejoice with Me (Elsie/Prince Henry)Arthur Sullivan, Janice Watson, Ronald Corp, New London Orchestra, Mark Wilde
The Golden Legend, Scene 4: No. 5, Come with Me, This Way (Lucifer/Prince Henry/Attendants/Elsie)Arthur Sullivan, Ronald Corp, New London Orchestra, Mark Wilde, Jeffrey Black, The London Chorus, Janice Watson
The Golden Legend, Scene 5: No. 1, Who Is It Coming Under the Trees? (Ursula/Forester)Arthur Sullivan, Jonathan Brown, Jean Rigby, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
The Golden Legend, Scene 5: No. 2, Virgin, Who Lovest the Poor and Lowly (Ursula)Arthur Sullivan, New London Orchestra, Jean Rigby, Ronald Corp
The Golden Legend, Scene 6: No. 1, IntroductionArthur Sullivan, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
The Golden Legend, Scene 6: No. 2, We Are Alone; the Wedding Guests (Prince Henry/Elsie)Arthur Sullivan, Janice Watson, Mark Wilde, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
The Golden Legend, Scene 6: No. 3, Dear Elsie, Many Years Ago (Prince Henry/Elsie)Arthur Sullivan, Mark Wilde, Janice Watson, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
The Golden Legend, Scene 6: No. 4, In Life's Delight, in Death's Dismay (Prince Henry/Elsie)Arthur Sullivan, Janice Watson, Mark Wilde, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
The Golden Legend, Scene 6: No. 5, Choral Epilogue. God Sent His Messenger, the RainArthur Sullivan, New London Orchestra, The London Chorus, Ronald Corp
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
