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6 of 6 people found the following review helpful:
5.0 out of 5 stars
Neglected gem of true Savoy brilliance, 30 Dec 2003
By A Customer
DECCA have reissued this set at mid-price with the original sleeve artwork.This is the least known and most unjustly neglected of all the Gilbert and Sullivan Operas. First produced in 1896, the general public's changing tastes in musical theatre, combined with some unusually over-wordy dialogue frm Gilbert, queered it's pitch. However, musically THE GRAND DUKE is a Sullivan gem. More heavily orchestrated than most of the earlier Savoy Operas this is a musical feast in true Savoy style. The present recording was made in 1976 as a direct result of a single concert performance the previous year at the Savoy Theatre given during the D'Oyly Carte Centenary Season. I have always suspected that the intention (as with UTOPIA) had been to stage a full production as the parts of Viscount Mentone and Martha (speaking roles only) were cast, but also suspect that rehearsal time did not allow for this. John Reed adds the role of Rudolph, the Grand Duke of the title, to his rosta of G & S Patter roles, graciously leaving the immense part of Ludwig to the inimitable Kenneth Sandford. Julia Goss is superb as Julia Jellicoe, the english comedienne starring with the german theatrical troup; her mad scene is chilling and her extended number "All is darksome" is magnificent. John Ayldon is excellent in the small role of the Prince of Monte-Carlo and went on to make the roulette song truely and notoriously his own. Musical gem is followed by musical gem from the overture right through to the finale with the Act Two opening chorus "As before you we defile" a definite highlight among highlights. In the absence of a more recent recording, this is a definite must for any lover of Gilbert and Sullivan.
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~ Sir Arthur Sullivan
~ Gilbert & Sullivan
~ Sir Arthur Sullivan
~ Sir Arthur Sullivan
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