A. Gilbert/G. W. Hopkins: Vocal and Chamber Works

Advantages: Wonderful artists
Disadvantages: A smorgasbord

...The Austrians had Johann Strauss. America, the Gershwin Brothers. But nobody understood the subtlety of language and brilliant spoofing better than the British pair Gilbert and Sullivan. And few artists these days can equal the total professionalism of D'oyly Carte in the singing and interpretation of G & S light opera. But Savoyards could raise an eyebrow about a selection of songs that dips into smorgasbord territory. A taste of fish, a splendid dish, a little sprat and that was that! Let's not get too technical about the recording and the performance. It rates with other G & S masterpieces, but if you fancy listening to good light opera, invest in the broad G & S selection of full performance works at your favourite music shop or online dealer.... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: Another red blooded success from the operatic partnership. My own personal favourite.
Disadvantages: None

...Ruddigore has always provided me with great delights in the vast array of musical gems and witty words that it contains. The music at times runs from the light hearted to the momentary peaks of grand opera. There are tunes that immediately set the toes a-tapping (try to avoid it in the patter song ‘My eyes are fully open’!!) and the lips a-whistling. The words range from the witty to the grim. There is high drama, humour, mixed-up personalities and love interests (Gilbert’s perpetual topsy-turveydom). There are the lead heroes, of course, and the chorus of singing and dancing lads and maids. This is W.S. Gilbert’s ghost story – perhaps most well-known for the scene in Act 2 when the portraits of the family ancestors come to life. It may well be that this is a musical work that you have not heard of in its entirety. THE PLOT... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful

Advantages: Rousing, jolly, bristling with life and humour
Disadvantages: None

...of them mixed up – and of course the two were Corcoran and Ralph. (Yes – I know the ages of the participants here defy logic but then logic is unimportant in G&S!!) So, at one stroke, Ralph becomes the Captain and Corcoran a mere rating. Sir Joseph has to accept that love levels rank “… to a considerable extent but not as much as that!” Ralph and Josephine are free to marry. Corcoran and Mrs Cripps decide to wed. Sir Joseph finally accepts the blandishments from his adoring Cousin Hebe. The proceedings finish with a quick resume of the principal themes. “Oh Bliss, Oh Rapture! Oh Rapture! Oh Bliss!! “ G&S HISTORY It took some time for the literary paths of William Gilbert (barrister and librettist) and Arthur Sullivan (composer) to cross. It was almost by accident that they were invited to co-operate on a venture in 1871 which resulted... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful