Gilbert & Sullivan: The Mikado
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Free Music Notes for Gilbert & Sullivan: The Mikado
Free Music Review: Crisp and authentic but overall disappointing.
Hit: 3 Stars
Over the years D'Oyly Carte have recorded numerous versions of the The Mikado. Although pleasantly precise in recorded sound, I feel that the overall performances by the cast of the 1973 company were losing impact and freshness. The success of the recording lies in the conducting by Royston Nash, formerly connected with a musical background in the Royal Marines. This musical discipline certainly 'pays-off', but the company was long past its best and in near decline. John Reed as Ko-Ko is too measured, especially in comparison with seeing him in performance. Kenneth Sandford was infinitely superior in the 1958 recording, Decca. The voice is obviously tired and being the doyen of the company ought to have been succeeded by a more youthful sounding performance. There were plenty within the company who had performed the part and were superb in the role. Two major disappointments are Colin Wright as Nanki-Poo and John Ayldon in the title role. The tenor cannot match the lyricism of Philip Potter or Thomas Round, while the bass, John Ayldon is poor in comparison with Donald Adams (1958 and 1993) and Darrell Fancourt (1950), both earlier exponents of the part. It remains for me to state that if you, on hearng the recording enjoy it, fine, but the best of Gilbert and Sullivan is certainly not this.Free Music Review: Great Orchestra - Lousy Cast
Hit: 3 Stars
I'll admit it, I'm a G&S nut. I was raised on it and have never tired of the fantastic music, witty lyrics, and still hilarious gags. I have performed in several productions of Pirates and the Mikado as a lead baritone. So...As a former Pooh-Bah, I can say the one on this recording is awful. Sure Sandford is a powerful singer and has a tremendous vibrato...bur come on, get over yourself. In fact, this seems to be a common ailment throughout this era of D'Oyly Carte. The performances of the Mikado, Nanki-Poo, and Katisha are all overblown and just not fun to listen to. The notable exception is Yum-Yum, whose voice is fantastic for light opera and actually sounds like she's enjoying the role instead of the chance to display her talent.
Whatever ailments affected the singers of this time of D'Oyly Carte blessedly did not touch the orchestra. This recording is one of the best I've heard for orchestral perfection. Good balance, perfect timing, and just the right 'extras' that afficionados will recognize.
Acceptable for a listen if you check in out from the library, but don't spend the money to add this to your collection.
Free Music Review: An average Mikado
Hit: 3 Stars
Firstly, it must be said that Nash and the Royal Philharmonic Orchestra have done an excellent job. Orchestration is crisp and clear, if occasionally the victim of inconsistent tempi. The reason for this recording's mediocre score are the few black spots in an otherwise exellent cast. Specifically, I found Colin Wright's Nanki-Poo to have much too much vibrato, but those accustomed to more operatic performers may appreciate this; I just though it inappropriate for the lighter, comical fare of Gilbert and Sullivan. Valerie Masterson and John Reed are excellent, as expected. A more rounded historical stereo recording would be the recently remastered and re-released 1957 from Sounds on CD. Otherwise, I would go with Mackerras or New D'Oyly-Carte, the former winning out due to its greater commitment to authenticity. Stay away from Sargent, unless, like me, you are a completist.Free Music Review: Acceptable, but not great
Hit: 3 Stars
The pacing on this production leaves much to be desired. The orchestra can't seem to find the right way to perform Ko-Ko's songs. When the songs should be fast, the orchestra plays like it is slogging through quicksand. When the pace should be slowed down a bit to allow for some witty enunciation, the orchestra races through. John Reed is acceptable as the Lord High executioner Ko-Ko, but he tends to sing a little flat in some of his songs. However, it is complete with the overture and the little list song is largely untouched. But these complaints aside, the music and words are still able to shine through. That's enough to make it a passable recording.Free Music Review: lack of dialog a bit dissappointing
Hit: 3 Stars
though the music on this CD is quite good, I found that the recording lacked the dialog of the play. This seems odd given that the other D'Oyly Carte recordings include them. The fact that this is not mentioned in any of the blurbs at amazon nor even on the label itself leaves me curious and not a little annoyed, as the dialog is as important to the operetta as the musical numbers.