Immerse yourself in the witty and charming world of Arthur Sullivan with this delightful 2005 release from Chandos. This album presents two of Sullivan's most celebrated works, "Cox and Box" and "Trial by Jury," offering a delightful blend of humor, satire, and melodic brilliance.
"Cox and Box," a one-act operetta, is a hilarious tale of two lodgers, Cox and Box, who share a room and a landlord, Mr. Bouncer. The story unfolds with a series of comedic mishaps and misunderstandings, all set to Sullivan's lively and inventive music. The overture alone is a masterclass in musical storytelling, setting the stage for the farcical antics that follow.
"Trial by Jury," a one-act comic opera, is a satirical look at the British legal system. The plot revolves around a breach of promise lawsuit, with Sullivan's music providing a perfect counterpoint to the absurdity of the proceedings. The ensemble pieces are particularly noteworthy, showcasing Sullivan's ability to create complex, engaging harmonies.
The album runs for just under an hour and eight minutes, making it a perfect introduction to Sullivan's work. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, this album is sure to delight. The performances are top-notch, with each singer bringing their unique voice to Sullivan's memorable characters. The Chandos recording is also excellent, with clear, crisp sound that brings every note to life.
2005 Chandos Records2005 Chandos Records
Tracks
Cox and Box: OvertureArthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales
Cox and Box: It Seemed Like Just Another Day… (Bouncer)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Donald Maxwell
Cox and Box: Rataplan. Yes, Yes, in Those Merry Days (Bouncer)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Donald Maxwell
Cox and Box: Now, for Some Reason or Other (Bouncer)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Donald Maxwell
Cox and Box: Stay, Bouncer, Stay! (Cox, Bouncer)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Neal Davies, Donald Maxwell
Cox and Box: At Last He Left (Bouncer)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Donald Maxwell
Cox and Box: A Lullaby. Hush'd is the Bacon on the Grid (Box)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, James Gilchrist
Cox and Box: My Master Is Punctual (Cox)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Neal Davies
Cox and Box: Disaster! (Bouncer)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Donald Maxwell
Cox and Box: Who Are You, Sir? (Cox, Box, Bouncer)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Neal Davies, James Gilchrist, Donald Maxwell
Cox and Box: Not Even Rataplan Could Settle This… (Bouncer)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Donald Maxwell
Cox and Box: Serenade. The Buttercup (Cox, Box)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Neal Davies, James Gilchrist
Cox and Box: Music, It Seemed, Wasn't Their Only Mutual Interest (Bouncer)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Donald Maxwell
Cox and Box: Not Long Ago (Box, Cox)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, James Gilchrist, Neal Davies
Cox and Box: An Ingenious Scheme (Bouncer)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Donald Maxwell
Cox and Box: Finale. My Hand Upon It (Box, Bouncer)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, James Gilchrist, Donald Maxwell
Trial by Jury: Hark, the Hour of Ten is Sounding (Usher, Chorus)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Neal Davies, Chamber Choir of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Trial by Jury: Is this the Court of the Exchequer? (Defendant, Usher, Chorus of Jurymen)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, James Gilchrist, Neal Davies, Chamber Choir of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Trial by Jury: When First My Old, Old Love I Knew (Defendant, Usher, Chorus of Jurymen)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, James Gilchrist, Neal Davies, Chamber Choir of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Trial by Jury: All Hail, Great Judge! (Judge, Chorus)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Donald Maxwell, Chamber Choir of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Trial by Jury: When I, Good Friends… (Judge, Chorus)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Donald Maxwell, Chamber Choir of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Trial by Jury: Swear Thou the Jury (Counsel, Usher, Jury)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Matthew Brook, Neal Davies, Chamber Choir of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Trial by Jury: Where's the Plaintiff? (Counsel, Usher, Plaintiff, Chorus of Bridesmaids)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Matthew Brook, Neal Davies, Rebecca Evans, Chamber Choir of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Trial by Jury: Oh Never, Never, Never… (Judge, Foreman, Plaintiff, Usher, Chorus)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Donald Maxwell, David Thaxton, Rebecca Evans, Neal Davies, Chamber Choir of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Trial by Jury: May It Please You, M'lud! (Counsel, Plaintiff, Judge, Foreman, Usher, Defendant, Chorus)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Matthew Brook, Rebecca Evans, Donald Maxwell, David Thaxton, Neal Davies, James Gilchrist
Trial by Jury: That She is Reeling is Plain to See! (Judge, Foreman, Plaintiff, Counsel, Defendant, Usher, Foreman)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Donald Maxwell, David Thaxton, Rebecca Evans, Matthew Brook, James Gilchrist, Neal Davies
Trial by Jury: Oh Gentlemen Listen I Pray (Defendant, Chorus of Bridesmaids)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, James Gilchrist, Chamber Choir of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Trial by Jury: That Seems a Reasonable Proposition (Judge, Counsel, Chorus)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Donald Maxwell, Matthew Brook, Chamber Choir of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Trial by Jury: A Nice Dilemma We Have Here (Judge, Counsel, Defendant, Plaintiff, Usher, Foreman, Chorus)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Donald Maxwell, Matthew Brook, James Gilchrist, Rebecca Evans, Neal Davies, David Thaxton
Trial by Jury: I Love Him - I Love Him (Plaintiff, Defendant, Judge, Counsel, Foreman, Chorus)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Rebecca Evans, James Gilchrist, Donald Maxwell, Matthew Brook, David Thaxton, Chamber Choir of the Royal Welsh College of Music and Drama
Trial by Jury: Oh Joy Unbounded (Plaintiff, Counsel, Defendant, Usher, Judge, Foreman, Chorus)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Hickox, BBC National Orchestra Of Wales, Rebecca Evans, Matthew Brook, James Gilchrist, Neal Davies, Donald Maxwell, David Thaxton