Search - Arthur Sullivan, John Pryce Jones, D'Oyly Carte Opera Chorus and Orchestra :: Gilbert & Sullivan: The Mikado

A superlative performance ruined only by ONE small bemish

Yi-Peng | Singapore | 07/08/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"With this first digital Mikado recording, and the second digital one by the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company, we are in for an unforgetable musical experience. This recording presents a strong performance, with excellent crisp orchestral playing and ppowerful choral singing, capped by excelelntly wide-ranging digital sound. The one weak link is Michael Ducarel's portrayal of the eponymous title character. Even though he sings in tune, his voice is a little bit weak and small. The role of the Mikado is supposed to be firm and powerful, but this Mikado lacks a lot of the satanic glitter present in Donald Adams' portrayal. Also, Ducarel's cackle is rather weak. The rest of the cast is tremendously strong, even the minors. Bonaventura Bottone's portrayal of Nanki-Poo draws on experience from playing the role in the English National Opera production. Eric Roberts makes a light and airy Ko-Ko, giving a crisp performance, ruined only by a new verse in the Little List song. Malcolm Rivers makes a sonorous haughty Pooh-Bah, and he is joined by Deborah Rees' silken and seductive Yum-Yum and Susan Gritton's commanding Katisha. Overall, I would say that you should buy this recording, and that despite the minor flaw, this is a praiseworthy performance."

A vibrant rendition !

bunthorne | Bristol, UK | 02/13/2000

(4 out of 5 stars)

"This recording from the late 1980's is a fresh interpretation of a much recorded operetta. This 'Savoy Opera' is the most popular of the 14 Savoy Opera canon and certainly the most widely quoted in the English speaking world. Many elements of this recording are worth the purchase, but my prefrence is for Susan Gorton as Katisha. Her interpretation of this role gives new impetus to what is usually an uninspired performance. Memories of the late Ann Drummond-Grant (1958 Decca, D'Oyly Carte recording) and the performance on stage by Christene Palmer (1960's-70's)are at last realised in a modern recording. The performer of the title role,is not that 'special' in fact, quite lack-lustre. to hear the best peformer of this role collect the recording with Donald Adams (1958, Decca or 1993, Telmarc) and/or Darrell Fancourt (1949, Decca - Ace of Clubs) Otherwise, enjoy this with recently found composer-autograph music sections, as a bonus."

Libretto would be helpful

Ron Parker | Minnetonka, MN USA | 04/23/2000

(3 out of 5 stars)

"This CD is about G&S's crown jewel: The Midado. The music is great. The musicianship is great. Now we hear from the curmudgeon. I'm sure that there are those who could not care less if the CD came with or without a libretto. I happen NOT to be one of them. And unfortunately this album comes without one.Gilbert's machine-gun poetry needs to be read at the time that Sullivan's music is being sung. For me, not having a libretto is like getting only half a loaf. Sullivan's music is sublime, but Gilbert's poetry needs to be read and savored. You can't do that without a libretto."