Immerse yourself in the timeless wit and charm of John Gay's "The Beggar's Opera," a seminal work of 18th-century theatre that continues to captivate audiences with its sharp satire and enduring melodies. This 1991 recording, brought to you by Hyperion, is a faithful adaptation of Gay's original 1728 ballad opera, meticulously arranged by Johann Christoph Pepusch and edited by Anthony Lewis Barlow.
Spanning a rich 85 minutes, this album is a treasure trove of 103 tracks that encapsulate the essence of Gay's masterpiece. From the opening notes of Act I to the final dialogues of Act II, each track is a testament to the ingenious blend of humor, social commentary, and musical brilliance that defines "The Beggar's Opera." The album features a stellar cast of performers, including renowned artists who bring to life the colorful characters and intricate plotlines that have made this opera a classic.
The Beggar's Opera is a ballad opera in three acts written in 1728 by John Gay with music arranged by Johann Christoph Pepusch. The Beggar's Opera is a satire, specifically a satire of Italian opera, which was very popular in London at the time. The Beggar's Opera is also a satire of the corrupt society of the time, in which crime and politics were intertwined.
The Beggar's Opera is a comedy, and it is also a morality play. The Beggar's Opera is a morality play because it shows the consequences of crime and corruption. The Beggar's Opera is a comedy because it is funny, and it is a satire because it makes fun of the corrupt society of the time.
The Beggar's Opera is a ballad opera, which means that it is an opera that is based on ballads. Ballads are traditional songs that tell a story. The Beggar's Opera is based on the ballad of Macheath, a highwayman who is in love with Polly Peachum. The Beggar's Opera is a satire of Italian opera, which was very popular in London at the time. The Beggar's Opera is also a satire of the corrupt society of the time, in which crime and politics were intertwined.
The Beggar's Opera is a comedy, and it is also a morality play. The Beggar's Opera is a morality play because it shows the consequences of crime and corruption. The Beggar's Opera is a comedy because it is funny, and it is a satire because it makes fun of the corrupt society of the time.
The Beggar's Opera is a ballad opera, which means that it is an opera that is based on ballads. Ballads are traditional songs that tell a story. The Beggar's Opera is based on the ballad of Macheath, a highwayman who is in love with Polly Peachum. The Beggar's Opera is a satire of Italian opera, which was very popular in London at the time. The Beggar's Opera is also a satire of the corrupt society of the time, in which crime and politics were intertwined.
Whether you are a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "The Beggar's Opera" offers a delightful and engaging listening experience. The album's rich historical context, coupled with its timeless themes and memorable tunes, makes it a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of music, theatre, and social commentary. Dive into this classic work and discover why John Gay's "The Beggar's Opera" remains a beloved and influential piece of musical theatre.
Tracks
The Beggar's Opera (Arr. Pepusch, Ed. Barlow), Act I: Introduction. If Poverty Be a Title to Poetry (Beggar, Player)John Gay, Ian Caddy, Bob Hoskins
The Beggar's Opera (Arr. Pepusch, Ed. Barlow), Act I: Dialogue β Overture (by Pepusch)John Gay, Jeremy Barlow, The Broadside Band
The Beggar's Opera (Arr. Pepusch, Ed. Barlow), Act I: Air 1. An Old Woman Clothed in Gray (Peachum)John Gay, Jeremy Barlow, Charles Daniels, The Broadside Band
The Beggar's Opera (Arr. Pepusch, Ed. Barlow), Act I: Dialogue. Sir, Black Moll Hath Sent Word (Filch, Peachum)John Gay, Charles Daniels, Ian Honeyman
The Beggar's Opera (Arr. Pepusch, Ed. Barlow), Act I: Air 2. The Bonny Gray-Ey'd Morn (Filch, Peachum)John Gay, Charles Daniels, Ian Honeyman, Jeremy Barlow, The Broadside Band
The Beggar's Opera (Arr. Pepusch, Ed. Barlow), Act I: Dialogue. But 'Tis Now High Time to Look About Me (Peachum)John Gay, Charles Daniels
The Beggar's Opera (Arr. Pepusch, Ed. Barlow), Act I: Dialogue. What of Bob Booty, Husband? (Mrs Peachum, Peachum)John Gay, Charles Daniels, Sarah Walker
The Beggar's Opera (Arr. Pepusch, Ed. Barlow), Act I: Air 3. Cold and Raw (Mrs Peachum, Peachum)John Gay, Charles Daniels, Jeremy Barlow, Sarah Walker, The Broadside Band
The Beggar's Opera (Arr. Pepusch, Ed. Barlow), Act I: Air 4. Why Is Your Faithful Slave Disdain'd? (Mrs Peachum, Peachum)John Gay, Charles Daniels, The Broadside Band, Sarah Walker, Jeremy Barlow
The Beggar's Opera (Arr. Pepusch, Ed. Barlow), Act I: Dialogue. Never Was a Man More Out the Way in an Argument (Mrs Peachum)John Gay, Sarah Walker
The Beggar's Opera (Arr. Pepusch, Ed. Barlow), Act I: Air 5. Of All the Simple Things We Do (Mrs Peachum)John Gay, The Broadside Band, Sarah Walker, Jeremy Barlow
The Beggar's Opera (Arr. Pepusch, Ed. Barlow), Act I: Dialogue. Come Hither, Filch (Mrs Peachum, Filch)John Gay, Sarah Walker, Ian Honeyman
The Beggar's Opera (Arr. Pepusch, Ed. Barlow), Act I: Dialogue. I Know as Well as Any of the Fine Ladies (Polly)John Gay, Bronwen Mills
The Beggar's Opera (Arr. Pepusch, Ed. Barlow), Act I: Air 6. What Shall I Do to Show How Much I Love Her (Polly, Peachum)John Gay, The Broadside Band, Jeremy Barlow, Bronwen Mills, Charles Daniels
The Beggar's Opera (Arr. Pepusch, Ed. Barlow), Act I: Air 7. Oh London Is a Fine Town (Mrs Peachum, Peachum, Polly)John Gay, Sarah Walker, Jeremy Barlow, Charles Daniels, The Broadside Band, Bronwen Mills
The Beggar's Opera (Arr. Pepusch, Ed. Barlow), Act I: Air 8. Grim King of the Ghosts (Polly, Mrs Peachum, Peachum)John Gay, Charles Daniels, Bronwen Mills, Jeremy Barlow, The Broadside Band, Sarah Walker
The Beggar's Opera (Arr. Pepusch, Ed. Barlow), Act I: Air 9. O Jenny, O Jenny, Where Hast Thou Been? (Mrs Peachum, Polly)John Gay, Bronwen Mills, Jeremy Barlow, Sarah Walker, The Broadside Band
The Beggar's Opera (Arr. Pepusch, Ed. Barlow), Act I: Air 10. Thomas, I Cannot (Polly, Peachum)John Gay, Bronwen Mills, The Broadside Band, Charles Daniels, Jeremy Barlow
The Beggar's Opera (Arr. Pepusch, Ed. Barlow), Act I: Dialogue. Dear Wife, Be a Little Pacified (Peachum, Mrs Peachum)John Gay, Charles Daniels, Sarah Walker
The Beggar's Opera (Arr. Pepusch, Ed. Barlow), Act I: Air 11. A Soldier and a Sailor. A Fox May Steal Your Hens, Sir (Peachum)John Gay, Jeremy Barlow, The Broadside Band, Charles Daniels
The Beggar's Opera (Arr. Pepusch, Ed. Barlow), Act I: Dialogue. 'Twas Only Nimming Ned (Polly, Peachum, Mrs Peachum)John Gay, Charles Daniels, Sarah Walker, Bronwen Mills
The Beggar's Opera (Arr. Pepusch, Ed. Barlow), Act I: Air 12. Now Ponder Well, Ye Parents Dear (Polly, Mrs Peachum)John Gay, Bronwen Mills, Sarah Walker, The Broadside Band, Jeremy Barlow
The Beggar's Opera (Arr. Pepusch, Ed. Barlow), Act I: Air 13. Le printemps rappelle aux armes (Polly, Mrs Peachum, Peachum)John Gay, The Broadside Band, Sarah Walker, Jeremy Barlow, Charles Daniels, Bronwen Mills
The Beggar's Opera (Arr. Pepusch, Ed. Barlow), Act I: Dialogue. The Thing, Husband, Must and Shall Be Done (Mrs Peachum, Peachum)John Gay, Sarah Walker, Charles Daniels
The Beggar's Opera (Arr. Pepusch, Ed. Barlow), Act I: Dialogue. Now I'm a Wretch, Indeed (Polly)John Gay, Bronwen Mills
The Beggar's Opera (Arr. Pepusch, Ed. Barlow), Act I: Air 14. Pretty Parrot, Say (Macheath, Polly)John Gay, Adrian Thompson, Bronwen Mills, Jeremy Barlow, The Broadside Band
The Beggar's Opera (Arr. Pepusch, Ed. Barlow), Act I: Air 15. Pray, Fair One, Be Kind (Macheath, Polly)John Gay, Adrian Thompson, Bronwen Mills, The Broadside Band, Jeremy Barlow
The Beggar's Opera (Arr. Pepusch, Ed. Barlow), Act I: Air 16. Over the Hills and Far Away (Macheath, Polly)John Gay, Adrian Thompson, Jeremy Barlow, Bronwen Mills, The Broadside Band
The Beggar's Opera (Arr. Pepusch, Ed. Barlow), Act I: Air 17. Gin Thou Wert Mine Awn Thing (Polly, Macheath)John Gay, The Broadside Band, Bronwen Mills, Jeremy Barlow, Adrian Thompson
The Beggar's Opera (Arr. Pepusch, Ed. Barlow), Act I: Air 18. O the Broom. The Miser Thus a Shilling Sees (Macheath, Polly)John Gay, Jeremy Barlow, Bronwen Mills, Adrian Thompson, The Broadside Band
The Beggar's Opera (Arr. Pepusch, Ed. Barlow), Act II: Air 19. Fill Ev'ry Glass. For Wine Inspires Us (Matt, Company)John Gay, The Broadside Band, Jeremy Barlow, Roger Bryson
The Beggar's Opera (Arr. Pepusch, Ed. Barlow), Act II: Dialogue. Gentlemen, Well Met (Macheath, Matt)John Gay, Adrian Thompson, Roger Bryson
The Beggar's Opera (Arr. Pepusch, Ed. Barlow), Act II: Air 20. March in Rinaldo (Handel). Let Us Take the Road (Matt)John Gay, Jeremy Barlow, Roger Bryson, The Broadside Band
The Beggar's Opera (Arr. Pepusch, Ed. Barlow), Act II: Dialogue. What a Fool Is a Fond Wench! (Macheath)John Gay, Adrian Thompson
The Beggar's Opera (Arr. Pepusch, Ed. Barlow), Act II: Air 21. Would You Have a Young Virgin (Macheath, Drawer)John Gay, Adrian Thompson, Jeremy Barlow, Robert Torday, The Broadside Band
The Beggar's Opera (Arr. Pepusch, Ed. Barlow), Act II: Dialogue. Dear Mrs Coaxer, You Are Welcome (Macheath)John Gay, Adrian Thompson
The Beggar's Opera (Arr. Pepusch, Ed. Barlow), Act II: Air 22. Cotillon. Youths the Season Made for Joys (Macheath, Jenny, Coaxer, Vixen, Brazen)John Gay, Jeremy Barlow, Polly Kirwan, The Broadside Band, Claire Rutter, Catherine Wyn-Rogers, Caroline Harrison, Adrian Thompson
The Beggar's Opera (Arr. Pepusch, Ed. Barlow), Act II: Air 23. All in a Misty Morning (Jenny, Macheath, Trull, Tawdry, Slammekin, Vixen)John Gay, Lucy Hayward, Catherine Wyn-Rogers, The Broadside Band, Claire Rutter, Helen Lothian, Jenevora Williams, Jeremy Barlow, Adrian Thompson
The Beggar's Opera (Arr. Pepusch, Ed. Barlow), Act II: Air 24. When Once I Lay with Another Man's Wife (Jenny, Tawdry, Macheath)John Gay, The Broadside Band, Jeremy Barlow, Adrian Thompson, Catherine Wyn-Rogers, Jenevora Williams
The Beggar's Opera (Arr. Pepusch, Ed. Barlow), Act II: Dialogue. I Seize You, Sir, as My Prisoner (Peachum, Macheath)John Gay, Adrian Thompson, Charles Daniels
The Beggar's Opera (Arr. Pepusch, Ed. Barlow), Act II: Air 25. When First I Laid Siege to My Chloris (Macheath, Peachum)John Gay, The Broadside Band, Jeremy Barlow, Charles Daniels, Adrian Thompson
The Beggar's Opera (Arr. Pepusch, Ed. Barlow), Act II: Dialogue. Look Ye, Mrs Jenny (Vixen, Coaxer, Slammekin, Trull, Jenny)John Gay, Lucy Hayward, Caroline Harrison, Catherine Wyn-Rogers, Claire Rutter, Helen Lothian
The Beggar's Opera (Arr. Pepusch, Ed. Barlow), Act II: Dialogue. Noble Captain, You Are Welcome (Lockit, Macheath)John Gay, Adrian Thompson, Richard Jackson
The Beggar's Opera (Arr. Pepusch, Ed. Barlow), Act II: Air 26. Courtiers, Courtiers Think It No Harm (Macheath)John Gay, The Broadside Band, Jeremy Barlow, Adrian Thompson
The Beggar's Opera (Arr. Pepusch, Ed. Barlow), Act II: Dialogue. You Base Man, You! (Lucy)John Gay, Anne Dawson
The Beggar's Opera (Arr. Pepusch, Ed. Barlow), Act II: Air 27, A Lovely Lass to a Friar Came (Luch, Macheath)John Gay, Adrian Thompson, The Broadside Band, Jeremy Barlow, Anne Dawson
The Beggar's Opera (Arr. Pepusch, Ed. Barlow), Act II: Air 28. 'Twas When the Sea Was Roaring (Lucy, Macheath)John Gay, Adrian Thompson, The Broadside Band, Jeremy Barlow, Anne Dawson
The Beggar's Opera (Arr. Pepusch, Ed. Barlow), Act II: Air 29. The Sun Had Loos'd His Weary Teams (Macheath, Lucy)John Gay, Adrian Thompson, The Broadside Band, Jeremy Barlow, Anne Dawson
The Beggar's Opera (Arr. Pepusch, Ed. Barlow), Act II: Dialogue. In This Last Affair, Brother Peachum, We Are Agreed (Lockit, Peachum)John Gay, Richard Jackson, Charles Daniels
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