Gilbert & Sullivan - The Mikado (Without Spoken Dialogue)

Music by Arthur SULLIVAN (1842-1900)

Words by W.S. GILBERT (1836-1911)

The Mikado (Without Sopken Dialogue)

or The Town of Titipu

Colin Wright (tenor)

Michael Rayner (baritone)

John Reed (baritone)

Valerie Masterson (soprano)

Lyndsie Holland (contralto)

John Broad (bass (vocal))

Kenneth Sandford (baritone)

Pauline Wales (soprano)

Peggy Ann Jones (mezzo-soprano)

D'Oyly Carte Opera Chorus

Royal Philharmonic Orchestra

Royston Nash

Recorded: 1973

Recording Venue: Decca Studios, West Hampstead, London

Royston Nash conducts the Royal Philharmonic. It's a pleasure here to have John Reed as Ko-Ko. His presence adds a touch of magic. It's his light touch that seems effortless, but is a masterpiece of precision. His diction and timing are stunning. He sounds as if he's enjoying playing his part as if fresh. This recording dates from 1973. Compare it with the 1957 Malcolm Sargent recording. That early stereo recording is precise but it lacks warmth. In short, the intended humour vanishes under operatic heavyweights. But, this 1973 production captures a lineage going back to George Grossmith. Reed was the last of his kind, taking up the mantle from Martyn Green.

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