Dive into the enchanting world of Arthur Sullivan's operatic brilliance with this captivating album, released on November 1, 2004, under the Hyperion label. Spanning a duration of 1 hour and 16 minutes, this collection presents two of Sullivan's lesser-known but equally captivating works: "The Contrabandista" and "The Foresters."
"The Contrabandista," a two-act opera, is a lively and engaging tale filled with duets, choruses, and solos that showcase Sullivan's knack for blending humor and drama. The story unfolds through a series of captivating numbers, from the introductory "Introduction" to the rousing finale "Hail to the Ancient Hat!" Each track is a testament to Sullivan's ability to create memorable melodies and engaging characters.
"The Foresters," a four-act opera, offers a more pastoral and romantic setting, drawing inspiration from Shakespeare's "As You Like It." This opera is a delightful blend of folk-like melodies and dramatic arias, with standout tracks like "The Warrior Earl of Allendale" and "There Is No Land Like England." The enchanting "Scene. Evil Fairy! Do You Hear?" adds a touch of whimsy, highlighting Sullivan's versatility.
This album is a treasure trove for opera enthusiasts and those looking to explore the broader repertoire of Arthur Sullivan beyond his famous collaborations with W.S. Gilbert. The performances are vibrant and full of character, bringing Sullivan's compositions to life with energy and passion. Whether you're a seasoned opera lover or a curious newcomer, this collection offers a rich and rewarding listening experience.
The Contrabandista, Act I: No. 1. IntroductionArthur Sullivan, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
The Contrabandista, Act I: No. 2, Duet and Chorus. Hush! Not a Step (Sancho/José)Arthur Sullivan, Donald Maxwell, Geoffrey Moses, New London Orchestra, The London Chorus, Ronald Corp
The Contrabandista, Act I: No. 3, Song. Let Others Seek the Peaceful Plain (Inez)Arthur Sullivan, New London Orchestra, Frances McCafferty, Ronald Corp
The Contrabandista, Act I: No. 4, Quintet. Hand of Fate! (José/Vasquez/Sancho/Inez/Rita)Arthur Sullivan, Donald Maxwell, Claire Rutter, Ashley Catling, Frances McCafferty, Ronald Corp, New London Orchestra, Geoffrey Moses
The Contrabandista, Act I: No. 5, Song. Only the Night Wind Sighs Alone (Rita)Arthur Sullivan, Claire Rutter, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
The Contrabandista, Act I: No. 6, Duet. A Guard by Night (Vasquez/Rita)Arthur Sullivan, Ashley Catling, Claire Rutter, Ronald Corp, New London Orchestra
The Contrabandista, Act I: No. 7, Song. From Rock to Rock (Mr Grigg)Arthur Sullivan, Richard Suart, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
The Contrabandista, Act I: No. 8, Trio. Hullo! What's That? (José/Sancho/Mr Grigg)Arthur Sullivan, Donald Maxwell, Geoffrey Moses, Ronald Corp, Richard Suart, New London Orchestra
The Contrabandista, Act I: No. 9. DanceArthur Sullivan, Ronald Corp, New London Orchestra
The Contrabandista, Act I: No. 10, Finale. Hail to the Ancient Hat! (All)Arthur Sullivan, Donald Maxwell, The London Chorus, Geoffrey Moses, New London Orchestra, Richard Suart, Ronald Corp, Claire Rutter, Ashley Catling, Frances McCafferty
The Contrabandista, Act II: No. 1, Song. Wake, Gentle Maiden (Vasquez)Arthur Sullivan, Ashley Catling, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
The Contrabandista, Act II: No. 2, Duet. Let Hidalgos Be Proud of Their Breed (Inez/José)Arthur Sullivan, Donald Maxwell, Frances McCafferty, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
The Contrabandista, Act II: No. 3, Song. He Will Return (Rita)Arthur Sullivan, Claire Rutter, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp
The Contrabandista, Act II: No. 4, Trio. Who'd to Be Robber-Chief Aspire (Inez/José/Mr Grigg)Arthur Sullivan, Donald Maxwell, Richard Suart, New London Orchestra, Frances McCafferty, Ronald Corp
The Contrabandista, Act II: No. 5, Song. I Fired Each Barrel (Mr Grigg)Arthur Sullivan, Ronald Corp, New London Orchestra, Richard Suart
The Contrabandista, Act II: No. 6, Finale. Have Pity, Sir! (All)Arthur Sullivan, Claire Rutter, Ashley Catling, The London Chorus, Ronald Corp, Richard Suart, New London Orchestra, Justin Bindley, Geoffrey Moses, Frances McCafferty, Donald Maxwell
The Foresters, Act I: No. 1, "The Bond". Song. The Warrior Earl of Allendale (Kate)Arthur Sullivan, Ronald Corp, New London Orchestra, Claire Rutter
The Foresters, Act I: No. 2, Song. Love Flew in at the Window (Marian)Arthur Sullivan, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp, Frances McCafferty
The Foresters, Act I: No. 3, Drinking Song. Long Live Richard! (Chorus)Arthur Sullivan, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp, The London Chorus
The Foresters, Act I: No. 4, Chorus. To Sleep! to Sleep!Arthur Sullivan, Ronald Corp, New London Orchestra, The London Chorus
The Foresters, Act II: No. 1, "The Flight of Marian". Song. There Is No Land Like England (Will Scarlet)Arthur Sullivan, New London Orchestra, Ashley Catling, Ronald Corp
The Foresters, Act II: No. 2, Scene. Evil Fairy! Do You Hear? (Fairy/Titania/Chorus)Arthur Sullivan, Catherine Hopper, Joanna Cohn, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp, The London Chorus
The Foresters, Act III: "The Crowning of Marian". Song. By All the Deer That Spring (Will Scarlet)Arthur Sullivan, New London Orchestra, Ashley Catling, Ronald Corp
The Foresters, Act IV: No. 1, "The Conclusion". Song. The Bee Buzz'd Up in the Heat (Marian)Arthur Sullivan, Frances McCafferty, Ronald Corp, New London Orchestra
The Foresters, Act IV: No. 2, Chorus and Dance. Now Is the King Home Again (All)Arthur Sullivan, Frances McCafferty, Joanna Cohn, New London Orchestra, Ronald Corp, The London Chorus, Catherine Hopper, Ashley Catling, Claire Rutter
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