Gilbert and Sullivan: Opera Explained

De: Thomson Smillie

Narrado por: David Timson

This audio-biography sets out to explain the timeless popularity of the operettas of Gilbert and Sullivan: a colorful partnership of the most successful writers in the history of light music. It highlights Gilbert’s mastery of language - his wit, his turn of phrase, his brilliant lyrics (alternately very funny and deeply moving) - and the special melodic gift which enabled Arthur Sullivan to write music of such beauty and style. While each was a master of his craft, it was the combination that created magic sparks and guaranteed Gilbert and Sullivan a place in musical history.

Download the accompanying reference guide.©2005 Naxos AudioBooks (P)2005 Naxos AudioBooks

A congenial overview of the G&S legacy

This audiobook may serve both as an introduction for the uninitiated or a pleasant retelling for the connoisseur of the operas and biographies of the composer and lyricist who created the germ of what would become musical theater in the 20th century.

My only quibble is that Ruddigore is passed over without the briefest of synopses or musical examples of its fine Grand Opera style, and without referencing the patter trio (My eyes are fully open) which was so brilliantly clever that it has often been incongruously inserted into The Pirates of Penzance, and rewritten as an homage in the Broadway musical Thoroughly Modern Millie. But this omission is a small oversight in a well-constructed review of the witty and musically enchanting ouvre known as Gilbert & Sullivan.