Mikado, The (& The Yeoman Of The Guard/Trial By Jury/The Pirates Of Penzance/HMS Pinafore - 5 Complete Perform - Orchestra & Chorus Of The Welsh National Opera

Advantages: Not well known but is an important bridge in the historic cycle
Disadvantages: Not well known and quite dated

...The operettas of Gilbert and Sullivan remain as popular now as they ever were when written over a century ago. In all, this most famous of musical collaborations produced fourteen operas. The most popular (“Iolanthe”, “Yeomen Of The Guard”, “The Mikado”, “The Gondoliers”, “Pirates of Penzance” and “HMS Pinafore”) are quite timeless and their themes remain pointed. It is not surprising that within such a catalogue, there will be some titles that have not stood the test of time so well. Here, in “Princess Ida”, is one – an opera that had a relatively short initial run, an opera relegated to the “rarely performed” list, an opera after which the partnership almost disappeared. THE PLOT The story revolves around two rival kingdoms – ruled by King Hildebrand and King Gama respectively. Twenty one years before Hildebrand’s son... Read review

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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

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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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