Search - Arthur Sullivan, John Pryce Jones, John Pryce-Jones :: Gilbert & Sullivan: Pirates Of Penzance

A praiseworthy performance

Yi-Peng | Singapore | 07/10/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This is the first digital D'Oyly Carte recording made straight after its reformation in the 1980s. While it may seem small-scale, it presents a firm, first-class performance. Eric Roberts, in his part of Major-General Stanley, really proves himself to be one of the greatest G&S veterans of our age, finding every existing nuance in the part. Malcolm Rivers makes a menacing Pirate King, with his leathery bass reminding one of Donald Adams' portrayal. The two lovers, Philip Cerasy and Marilyn Hill-Smith, sing with great charm and with romanticism. Susan Gritton's Ruth is firm and commanding. But possibly the most resonant part is Simon Masterton-Smith's resonant Sergeant of Police, whose portrayal, like Owen Brannigan, is resonant. He brings a certain individuality into the part, adding his own touches of Cockney accent. The chorus is first-class, and John Pryce-Jones draws beautiful sounds from his crisply and well-disciplined orchestra. This is an extremely acceptable performance for anybody, even to those who want a well-recorded D'Oyly Carte performance in digital sound."

Outstanding

jamie_moffat@hotmail.com | Melbourne, Australia | 04/22/2000

(5 out of 5 stars)

"This was the first recording made by the revived D'Oyly Carte Opera company which was temporarily disbanded in 1982. Its reappearance was all the more welcome for this wonderful set. Crisp, imaginative conducting, fresh and articulate choral singing and inspired leads make this the best Pirates in the catalogue. Some may carp that it lacks the dialogue, which was included in an earlier D'Oyly Carte set, but it is a very minor drawback. Listening to this set was like hearing the opera for the first time. A wonderful recording full of revelations."