Customer Reviews

Gilbert and Sullivan: The Mikado

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I sometimes wonder about those who think they know better than the composer and lyricist. Seems to me that Gilbert & Sullivan were pretty damned good at what they did. But here come the producers of this recording and they think that they should update and alter the original work. Music altered, lyrics made more "modern" and, in certain cases, words simply changed. Why? Who gave anyone the right to play God and rewrite the Mikado?

I realize that the work is in the public domain. But that does not give these people ther ight to do what they did. The recoding SAYS D'Oily Carte. But don't believe it for a moment. The old chap is turning over in his grave. Don't buy this garbage. Find a recording that respects the work as it was intended to be.

This is a 1991 recording of a modern D'Oyly Carte Opera production of The Mikado. Although to me the ultimate version is the 1966-1967 film version starring John Reed, Donald Adams, Valerie Masterson and Phillip Potter, this is still a very enjoyable and excellent recording. Many have complained about the "modern" touch of adding new lyrics to Ko-Ko's "List Song". It is a different technique that can take away from the enjoyment of a classic light opera such as this one. But it still works for me. The Mikado is vintage Gilbert and Sullivan. Taking place in 1880's Japan, it is really a veiled satire of Victorian society. The plot revolves around Nanki Poo, the Mikado Emperor's son, and his love for Yum Yum. But since The Lord High Executioner Ko-Ko is in need of an execution, Nanki Poo volunteers with the condition that he is married to Yum Yum for a month. Further foils are Katisha, the elderly lady who wishes to marry Nanki Poo for herself and who vows revenge when she discovers betrayal. Being light opera, it has a happy ending for all the characters.

Eric Roberts is Ko-Ko in this recording, and along with other great names who have sung Ko-Ko, like John Reed and Richard Stuart, he is a great choice in the role. Debora Rees is a great Yum Yum, bright and bubbly, though nothing at all like the superior Valerie Masterson. Susan Gorton is a commanding and imperious Katisha, with a lot of fire in her voice and performance. Bonnaventura Bottone is Nanki Poo and does a good job. This is a great recording. I really enjoy this as a perfect compliment to the 1966 film version.

This recording overall is an excellent rendition of the classic Gilbert & Sullivan operetta, "The Mikado". All the voices are stunning, the orchestra is crisp and clean and doesn't overpower the voices, and it's clear the actors/singers are having fun with it. Of course D'oyly Carte Opera Company only does Gilbert & Sullivan so it ought to be good. Most impressive are Nanki-Poo, Ko-Ko, and Katisha. Some of the Tempos ("I Am So Proud" in particular) are a little slow. Overall it is very well done; notquite as good as the Stratford Festival's version from the '80's, but as that is only available on DVD, this is a great way to listen to this fantastic masterpiece!