Experience the timeless brilliance of Arthur Sullivan's iconic comic operas with this captivating collection, "Sullivan: The Mikado & Overtures." Released in 2005 by Warner Classics, this album is a treasure trove for opera enthusiasts and newcomers alike, offering a rich tapestry of Sullivan's most beloved works.
The centerpiece of this album is "The Mikado, or The Town of Titipu," a delightful comic opera that showcases Sullivan's unparalleled talent for blending humor, wit, and stunning musicality. The opera, featuring a full cast of memorable characters, is presented in its entirety, allowing listeners to immerse themselves in the whimsical world of Titipu. From the lively overture to the enchanting duets and choruses, each track is a testament to Sullivan's genius.
In addition to "The Mikado," this album includes the overtures to three other celebrated operas by Sullivan: "Patience, or Bunthorne's Bride," "Iolanthe, or The Peer and the Peri," and "The Yeomen of the Guard." These overtures provide a delightful sampling of Sullivan's diverse musical styles and his ability to create memorable melodies that have stood the test of time.
With a total duration of just over an hour and fifteen minutes, this album is a perfect introduction to the world of Arthur Sullivan's operatic masterpieces. Whether you're a seasoned opera lover or a curious newcomer, "Sullivan: The Mikado & Overtures" promises an enchanting and entertaining listening experience.
Sullivan: The Mikado or The Town of Titipu: Overture (Allegro moderato - Andante comodo - Allegro con brio)Arthur Sullivan, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/Kenneth Alwyn, Kenneth Alwyn, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Sullivan: The Mikado or The Town of Titipu, Act 1: No. 1, Chorus, "If you want to know who we are" (Nobles)Arthur Sullivan, W. S.Gilbert, The Linden Singers, Ian Humphris, Westminster Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Faris
Sullivan: The Mikado or The Town of Titipu, Act 1: No. 2a, Recitative and Scena, "Gentlemen, I pray you tell me" (Nanki-Poo, A Noble)Arthur Sullivan, W. S.Gilbert, The Linden Singers, Ian Humphris, Westminster Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Faris
Sullivan: The Mikado or The Town of Titipu, Act 1: No. 3, Song and Chorus, "Our Great Mikado, virtuous man" (Pish-Tush, Nobles)Arthur Sullivan, W. S.Gilbert, The Linden Singers, Ian Humphris, Westminster Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Faris
Sullivan: The Mikado or The Town of Titipu, Act 1: No. 5, Chorus with Song, "Behold the Lord High Executioner!" (Nobles, Ko-Ko)Arthur Sullivan, W. S.Gilbert, The Linden Singers, Ian Humphris, Westminster Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Faris
Sullivan: The Mikado or The Town of Titipu, Act 1: No. 5a, Song, "As some day it may happen" (Ko-Ko, Nobles)Arthur Sullivan, W. S.Gilbert, The Linden Singers, Ian Humphris, Westminster Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Faris
Sullivan: The Mikado or The Town of Titipu, Act 1: No. 7, Trio with Chorus, "Three little maids from school" (Yum-Yum, Peep-bo, Pitti-Sing, Girls)Arthur Sullivan, W. S.Gilbert, The Linden Singers, Ian Humphris, Westminster Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Faris
Sullivan: The Mikado or The Town of Titipu, Act 1: No. 10, Trio, "I am so proud" (Pooh-Bah, Ko-Ko, Pish-Tush)Arthur Sullivan, W. S.Gilbert, The Linden Singers, Ian Humphris, Westminster Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Faris
Sullivan: The Mikado or The Town of Titipu, Act 1: No. 11, Finale, "Your revels cease!" (Katisha, Nanki-Poo, Pitti-Sing, Yum-Yum, Others)Arthur Sullivan, W. S.Gilbert, The Linden Singers, Ian Humphris, Westminster Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Faris
Sullivan: The Mikado or The Town of Titipu, Act 2: No. 13, Song, "The sun, whose rays are all ablaze" (Yum-Yum)Arthur Sullivan, The Linden Singers, Ian Humphris, Westminster Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Faris
Sullivan: The Mikado or The Town of Titipu, Act 2: No. 14, Madrigal, "Brightly dawns our wedding day" (Yum-Yum, Pitti-Sing, Nanki-Poo, Pish-Tush)Arthur Sullivan, W. S.Gilbert, The Linden Singers, Ian Humphris, Westminster Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Faris
Sullivan: The Mikado or The Town of Titipu, Act 2: No. 15, Trio, "Here's a how-de-do!" (Yum-Yum, Nanki-Poo, Ko-Ko)Arthur Sullivan, W. S.Gilbert, The Linden Singers, Ian Humphris, Westminster Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Faris
Sullivan: The Mikado or The Town of Titipu, Act 2: No. 16, Entrance of Mikado, "Miya sama … From every kind of man obedience I expect" (Girls, Nobles, Mikado, Katisha)Arthur Sullivan, W. S.Gilbert, The Linden Singers, Ian Humphris, Westminster Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Faris
Sullivan: The Mikado or The Town of Titipu, Act 2: No. 17, Song with Chorus, "A more humane Mikado" (Mikado, Nobles)Arthur Sullivan, W. S.Gilbert, The Linden Singers, Ian Humphris, Westminster Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Faris
Sullivan: The Mikado or The Town of Titipu, Act 2: No. 18, Trio and Chorus, "The criminal cried" (Ko-Ko, Nobles, Pitti-Sing, Pooh-Bah)Arthur Sullivan, W. S.Gilbert, The Linden Singers, Ian Humphris, Westminster Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Faris
Sullivan: The Mikado or The Town of Titipu, Act 2: No. 20, Duets, "The flowers that bloom in the spring" (Nanki-Poo, Yum-Yum, Pitti-Sing, Pooh-Bah, Ko-Ko)Arthur Sullivan, W. S.Gilbert, The Linden Singers, Ian Humphris, Westminster Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Faris
Sullivan: The Mikado or The Town of Titipu, Act 2: No. 22, Song, "On a tree by a river a little tom-tit" (Ko-Ko)Arthur Sullivan, W. S.Gilbert, The Linden Singers, Ian Humphris, Westminster Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Faris
Sullivan: The Mikado or The Town of Titipu, Act 2: No. 23, Duet, "There is beauty in the bellow of the blast" (Katisha, Ko-Ko)Arthur Sullivan, W. S.Gilbert, The Linden Singers, Ian Humphris, Westminster Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Faris
Sullivan: The Mikado or The Town of Titipu, Act 2: No. 24, Finale, "For he's gone and married Yum-Yum … The threatened cloud" (Pitti-Sing, Ko-Ko, Nanki-Poo, Yum-Yum, Others)Arthur Sullivan, W. S.Gilbert, The Linden Singers, Ian Humphris, Westminster Symphony Orchestra, Alexander Faris
Sullivan: Patience, or Bunthorne's Bride: Overture (Moderato - Allegro vivace)Arthur Sullivan, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/Kenneth Alwyn, Kenneth Alwyn, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Sullivan: Iolanthe or The Peer and the Peri: Overture (Andante - Andante espressivo - Allegro giocoso)Arthur Sullivan, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/Kenneth Alwyn, Kenneth Alwyn, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Sullivan: The Yeomen of the Guard: Overture (Allegro brillante e maestoso)Arthur Sullivan, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra/Kenneth Alwyn
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
