HMS Pinafore - Welsh National Opera Choir/Orchestra

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

...The operettas of Gilbert and Sullivan are much loved and treasured musical gems from a bygone era. They are as popular now as they ever were when written over a century ago - as can be seen by the clamour for tickets, the enthusiasm of audiences and the dedication of amateur societies in London, the provinces and around the world. “HMS Pinafore” can be described as the first written of the more popular five (along with “The Mikado”, “The Gondoliers”, “Pirates of Penzance” and “Iolanthe”). Themes from these operas still have the effect of getting toes tapping and promoting whistling whenever they are played. The name of D’Oyly Carte will be forever linked with Gilbert and Sullivan as will the Savoy Theatre in the Strand, London. We are fortunate that this National treasure is still available and that performances are still given within... Read review

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Advantages: quality
Disadvantages: none

...This is one of the best Gilbert and Sullivan light operas that I have listened to (or performed in). It is about a Lass (Josephine) who loved a foremast hand (common sailor) (Ralph), but Josephine can’t marry him because she is a daughter of the Captain of HMS Pinafore (Captain Corcorran). Because Josephine is the Captain’s daughter she is of a higher social class than Ralph is, also she is supposed to be getting married to the ruler of the Queen’s Navy (Rt. Honourable Sir Joseph Porter). This leaves Josephine and Ralph in a bit of a mess, so they are going to sneak off and get married together that night. But at this time the Captain is also in love with a Portsmouth Bum boat woman (Buttercup), but he can’t let other people know because he is against Josephine having a relationship with Ralph. But in the end Buttercup lets every... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average somewhat helpful

Advantages: The most popular, the most perfect, the most performed
Disadvantages: None

...Gilbert, Sullivan, D’Oyly Carte! Three great names from the Victorian era of musical drama. The Gilbert and Sullivan operas remain as popular now as they ever were when written over a century ago. They stir the imagination of audiences and performers (professional and amateur) like no other in the dramatic canon. Depending on your definition there are fourteen titles in the catalogue in total (including the now lost “Thespis”). “The Mikado” is probably the most popular of the ‘big five’ (which also includes “HMS Pinafore”, “The Gondoliers”, “Pirates of Penzance” and “Iolanthe”). Themes from any of these operas still have the effect of getting toes tapping and promoting whistling whenever they are played. The name of D’Oyly Carte will be forever linked with Gilbert and Sullivan as will the Savoy Theatre in the Strand, London. We... Read review

Ciao members have rated this review on average helpful