Gilbert & Sullivan: Their Greatest Hits

Rating:
Summary: Not Even Good for a Concert
Review: A concert version of a smattering of G&S tunes is a questionable concept from the outset, I suppose, but this presentation is definitely poor even for a concert version. At least one of the main vocalists doesn't even stay synchronized with the orchestra very well. Two actors pretending to be Gilbert and Sullivan, watching from the box above, make running historical-tidbit commentary about the creation of the operas that is corny but is probably the best part of the tape. One calls the other "my dear," which I assume accurately reflects the way they spoke at the time.

Rating:
Summary: Not Even Good for a Concert
Review: A concert version of a smattering of G&S tunes is a questionable concept from the outset, I suppose, but this presentation is definitely poor even for a concert version. At least one of the main vocalists doesn't even stay synchronized with the orchestra very well. Two actors pretending to be Gilbert and Sullivan, watching from the box above, make running historical-tidbit commentary about the creation of the operas that is corny but is probably the best part of the tape. One calls the other "my dear," which I assume accurately reflects the way they spoke at the time.

Rating:
Summary: It must have been a fun evening!
Review: This concert took place in 1982, for the 100th anniversary of Gilbert & Sullivan's IOLANTHE. It presented stars of the famed (and soon-to-be-no-more) D'Oyly Carte Opera of London, specialists for over a hundred years in the works of "G & S." Top singers John Ayldon, Vivien Tierney, Geoff Shovelton and 1950's comic patter baritone Peter Pratt carry the evening, with over a thousand in the audience acting as the chorus, and many in costume! A student orchestra supplies the accompaniment. This tape is obviously just highlights from the concert, which featured music from IOLANTHE, THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE, THE MIKADO, HMS PINAFORE, THE GONDOLIERS, and who-knows-what-else! It's a pretty rough affair, musically speaking, but, oh, are they all having fun! Many are hard on this video, but I've watched it a number of times, especially for the great Peter Pratt, and Vivian Tierney sings wonderfully. A good chance to see a few of the D'Oyly Carte stars in costume, doing what they did better than almost anyone else: presenting Gilbert & Sullivan.

Rating:
Summary: This is a concert view, not an opera presentation.
Review: This concert took place in 1982, for the 100th anniversary of Gilbert & Sullivan's IOLANTHE. It presented stars of the famed (and soon-to-be-no-more) D'Oyly Carte Opera of London, specialists for over a hundred years in the works of "G & S." Top singers John Ayldon, Vivien Tierney, Geoff Shovelton and 1950's comic patter baritone Peter Pratt carry the evening, with over a thousand in the audience acting as the chorus, and many in costume! A student orchestra supplies the accompaniment. This tape is obviously just highlights from the concert, which featured music from IOLANTHE, THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE, THE MIKADO, HMS PINAFORE, THE GONDOLIERS, and who-knows-what-else! It's a pretty rough affair, musically speaking, but, oh, are they all having fun! Many are hard on this video, but I've watched it a number of times, especially for the great Peter Pratt, and Vivian Tierney sings wonderfully. A good chance to see a few of the D'Oyly Carte stars in costume, doing what they did better than almost anyone else: presenting Gilbert & Sullivan.

Rating:
Summary: It must have been a fun evening!
Review: This concert took place in 1982, for the 100th anniversary of Gilbert & Sullivan's IOLANTHE. It presented stars of the famed (and soon-to-be-no-more) D'Oyly Carte Opera of London, specialists for over a hundred years in the works of "G & S." Top singers John Ayldon, Vivien Tierney, Geoff Shovelton and 1950's comic patter baritone Peter Pratt carry the evening, with over a thousand in the audience acting as the chorus, and many in costume! A student orchestra supplies the accompaniment. This tape is obviously just highlights from the concert, which featured music from IOLANTHE, THE PIRATES OF PENZANCE, THE MIKADO, HMS PINAFORE, THE GONDOLIERS, and who-knows-what-else! It's a pretty rough affair, musically speaking, but, oh, are they all having fun! Many are hard on this video, but I've watched it a number of times, especially for the great Peter Pratt, and Vivian Tierney sings wonderfully. A good chance to see a few of the D'Oyly Carte stars in costume, doing what they did better than almost anyone else: presenting Gilbert & Sullivan.

Rating:
Summary: This is a concert view, not an opera presentation.
Review: This is a 1982 A(I think) concert that is done with a youth orchestra (although they are very gooed) and a somewhat disjointed choir. If this is what you expect it is fine. However if you are looking for a staged opera, this is NOT the disk for you.