Gilbert & Sullivan - The Mikado

--The Music--
This collection includes most of the 'opera' of The Mikado. The recordings on this collection come from complete performances by Mackerras and the WNO. The Mikado is one of Gilbert & Sullivan's most enduring and endearing pieces. It has warmth and humour as well as the typical Gilbert & Sullivan wit and satire, and is also one of the G&S productions that translates well in to other languages. The performances here are superb, and the only drawback is the few deletions required to get the performance to fit on one CD.

--Sir Charles Mackerras--
Mackerras is one of the geniuses of the twentieth century musical scene. Having a conducting career that includes the Hamburg Opera, the English National Opera (formerly Sadlers Wells Opera), and the Welsh National Opera (the performers for this piece), he has also conducted major orchestras on the continent of Europe and in the United States. The holder of many major awards and honourary doctorates, he has devoted much time and energy to the preservation and performance of eighteenth and nineteenth century music, as well the restoration of historical musical venues, such as the Estates Theatre in Prague, scene of the original production of Don Giovanni (Mackerras conducted the opera there to commemorate the bicentenary of the death of Mozart).

--Welsh National Opera Orchestra and Chorus--
The seeds of the WNO were planted in Cardiff during World War II by music lovers; the first performances occurred a year after the war's end, with Cavalleria rusticana and Pagliacci on the bill, with Faust the next night. Popular appeal was so great that the WNO was established, later adding choruses in both Cardiff and Swansea. The professional chorus was established in 1973, with a strength that matches the orchestra. They continue an ambitious performance schedule for recording and live events; Mackerras remains the Conductor Emeritus, as the WNO continues under the direction of Carlo Rizzi. The list of awards the WNO has won over the years is staggering - they are a world class institution by any measure.

--Other performers--
Notable singers such as Richard Stuart, Anthony Rolfe Johnson, Nicholas Folwell, Marie McLaughlin, Anne Howells and Janice Watson fill out the players on this disc. Several are frequent performers with Mackerras and the WNO (for example, Stuart plays Porter on their production of the 'HMS Pinafore').

--Liner Notes--
The liner notes give a good introduction and biographical information about Gilbert and Sullivan, as well a synposis of the opera, and a bit of historical background. It does not, unfortunately, include any information about Mackerras, the WNO Orchestra and Chorus, or the other special performers.

--Overall Impressions--
I play this CD in my car, in my home and in my office frequently. It is a great sing-along work and a great comedic relief from the stresses of the day. The music is bubbly and clear; the recording quality is excellent and crisp. I recommend this to any Gilbert & Sullivan lover, any fan of musical comedy, opera and operettas, and anyone who delights in good music.


The best Mikado recording by far   January 29, 2003
 26 out of 27 found this review helpful

This is a fantastic bargain. The overture and one or two verses of songs have been cut to allow it to fit onto one 80 minute CD. However, almsot all of the operetta has been recorded here. It is a brilliant recording of a timeless classic. The orchesra are kept in perfect tempi, and the singing is perfect throughout. I only wish Telarc would release the unedited version on two CDs. Don't hestitate to purchase this recording. It is the best version of the Mikado commercially available.


At last a Mikado recording which does G & S justice   January 25, 2003
 21 out of 22 found this review helpful

This is a bargain, with nearly the whole operetta on one CD. If you don't mind a missing overture and a couple of other "nips" in the score this is arguably the best Mikado ever released. I have heard many sets of this operetta. None of them offer such universally polished performaces. The conducting by Charles Mackerras offers the listener perfect tempi throughout. This means the performances never flag and truly sparkle. Unfortunately the "little list" song has also been edited to allow it onto one CD. But enough is heard to represent it comfortably in the overall production.
If you are wondering which Mikado to buy don't hestitate to purchase this one. It is the best available by a long way.
It is so good I only wish Telarc could release the whole unedited operetta on two CD's.