Search - Arthur Sullivan, Malcolm Sargent, Charles Goulding :: Gilbert & Sullivan: Princess Ida

Vintage G&S

Paul A. Gerard | Australia | 10/14/2004

(5 out of 5 stars)

"The sound quality is actually very good for the period (it is a thirties recording for goodness' sake). I bought this item in spite of the remarks from other reviewers and was very agreeably surprised. Not "modern" quality mind you, but very well re-mastered.



Sargent takes this fine score at a crackling pace - and emphasises the vigour and humour of the music rather than its lyrical beauty. In his later (1965) recording he reversed this interpretation - which is more satisfying is largely a matter of taste.



The play itself has dated in a way that the Mikado, for instance, has not - but many of the songs are very funny, and the music is Sullivan near his peak.



Especially if you don't mind listening to older recordings - snap this one up - as the chances of it being released again are probably slim! Otherwise hunt up a copy of the 1965 version - this is also well remastered (and is obviously much closer to modern sound quality) and gives Sullivan (as opposed to Gilbert) a slightly better go."

Quite enjoyable

Bingo Little | Brinkly court | 12/31/2002

(5 out of 5 stars)

"To me, this is a very special cd. And of course it's scratchy, considering how old it is and how long it was probebly in some old damp storage room. It has a certain rustic charm very typical of the period. It's quite magical to hear all the old performers in one of my favorite G&S opera's. I recomend this to the g&s collector."