Yeomen Of The Guard, The - Isidore Godfrey/Stephen S. Moore

Advantages: Full of majestic English themes. A tragi-comedy that was nearly Grand Opera
Disadvantages: None

...); Philip Potter (Colonel Fairfax) Donald Adams (Sergeant Meryll); Elizabeth Harwood (Elsie Maynard) Gillian Knight (Dame Carruthers); Ann Hood (Phoebe Meryll) Kenneth Sandford (Wilfred Shadbolt) David Palmer (Leonard Meryll) TRIAL BY JURY – Gilbert & Sullivan (1964) The D’Oyly Carte Opera Company Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden: Conducted by Isidore Godfrey Soloists: John Reed (The Learned Judge); Thomas Round (The Defendant) Ann Hood (The Plaintiff); Kenneth Sandford (Counsel for the Plaintiff) CD: LONDON 417358-2 (£19.99) LIBRETTO The Yeomen of the Guard or The Merryman and His Maid. International Music Publications Ltd. £ 4.99 THE VIDEO This recording of “Yeomen of the Guard” is taken from a full series of specially staged productions (originally by the BBC in 1982) which is now offered both... Read review

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Advantages: A glorious fun filled romp. Great sunny mediterranean tunes. Twisted plot that all comes right in the end
Disadvantages: None

...dancing. Don Alhambra arrives to break up the party with the Duke of Plaza-Toro and retinue in tow. Casilda is now introduced to Marco and Giuseppe, only for Tessa and Gianetta to realise that neither of them will be queen. Luiz’s mother is produced to explain the mystery. She reveals that she swapped her own infant son for the prince and it was her son that was handed on to old Palmieri. Therefore Luiz is the true prince and the real King of Barataria. Casilda is delighted that she can take her place as the queen on her true love. Marco and Giuseppe are delighted to be able to return to their more humble republican gondolieri roles and their wives. GILBERT AND SULLIVAN HISTORY The prior operetta, “Yeomen Of The Guard”, was more serious in its plot and closer to grand opera than their previous collaborations. Sullivan had become... Read review

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

...the fastest of the patter songs defied belief for its clarity. In Ruddigore this opus is “My boy, you may take it from me”. The other soloists are all competent in their roles. The orchestral sound is crisp, clear and bright. This recording is one of a series featuring all the popular operettas performed by the D’Oyly Carte Opera Company originally released by DECCA on the London label. Unfortunately this recording does not come with the spoken dialogue. My CD copy comes from 1993 and is an Analogue to Digital Remaster. I can heartily recommend it. RUDDIGORE - Gilbert & Sullivan (1962) The D’Oyly Carte Opera Company The Orchestra of the Royal Opera House, Covent Garden, London: Conducted by Isidore Godfrey OBE. Soloists: John Reed (Sir Ruthven Murgatroyd); Kenneth Sandford (Sir Despard Murgatroyd); Donald Adams (Sir Roderic... Read review

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