Gilbert & Sullivan: H.M.S. Pinafore

There are many recordings of the G&S operas, but this remains one of the best. Since Pinafore is fairly short (espcially by Victorian standards) the addition of the dialogue adds immeasurably to the the experience. If you've never heard Pinafore, buy it and enjoy some of the merriest tunes ever written (not to mention one of the most implausible plots!) If you already know and enjoy Pinafore, this is the one to buy. (BTW, Thomas Round, who sings the role of Ralph - prounced Rafe - is one of my all time favorite, albiet unknown, tenors!)

For those of us for whom opera is just a bit "too much" Gilbert and Sullivan have created this romantic comedy set to delightful music. Following the story line is not difficult and every subsequent playing provides new discoveries. Even my children have gotten into it, although they're loathe to say so. Josephine and Rafe (sp?) have come alive for them and this can only be a good thing. Heck, someday it might answer a Jeopardy! question for them. Want to get into a good mood? Play this!

My favorite Gilbert and Sullivan opera, have it on 33 RPM but can't play it, so had to go modern to listen to the music and lyrics.

Can't beat the price and the service. Played it through and it sounds great. Only thing I'm missing is the shrink wrap. D'Oly Carte is top notch.

I have a few versions of this wonderfully addictive opera, but I bought this one because my favorite was out of print when I looked for it on CD; I'm speaking of the tape RCA issued in New York in 1985. But don't panic if you can't find that particular one, because this CD actually comes reasonably close. Perhaps that's attributable to The D'Oyly Carte Opera Company being the original company Gilbert and Sullivan worked with. There is indeed a correct way to put on these operas, even with all the variations allowed; and getting the right Pinafore sound allows listeners to time travel right back to opening night. Pinafore was first staged in London in May of 1878, and saying it opened to acclaim is only part of the story. I'm not generally obsessive about Gilbert and Sullivan operas, in fact, I used to associate their music with sleepy old fuddy duddies. But Pinafore has a creative magic that is leaps and bounds above most anything ever recorded anytime and anywhere. This is not merely a personal observation, for when this opera first reached American audiences the press dubbed its reception as Pinaforemania. Pinaforemania held San Francisco's approval between the 1870s and 1890s, for example, being so popular that many unauthorized companies sprang up to fill the public's unwavering appetite. Perhaps in the last few centuries there's been bigger events in entertainment than Pinafore, such as the Beatles (I attended the Beatles' last big emotionally charged concert at the Cow Palace) or Elvis, but Pinafore is still among the heavyweights. I love it when Ralph (Rafe) Rackstraw goes into: "A maiden fair to see, The pearl of minstrelsy, A bud of blushing beauty; " The tone of voice is so peculiar that it always reminds me of my father's corny style when he sang at family gatherings long ago. He had been born in 1903, and when he got on a roll you knew you were listening to something precious. I also love Sir Joseph doing "When I was a lad I served a term, As office boy to an Attorney's firm. I cleaned the windows and I swept the floor, And I polished up the handle of the big front door." Or how about Little Buttercup with "I've snuff and tobaccy, and excellent jacky, I've scissors, and watches, and knives; I've ribbons and laces to set off the faces of pretty young sweethearts and wives." Anyway, if you haven't already caught Pinaforemania, don't be self-conscious about jumping in a little late.

This is the finest D'Oyly Carte recordings of G&S, and one of the finest PINAFORE recordings. The cast on this recording is the best overall captured on record, and it would be hard to imagine a better performance by specialists as this. John Reed is a truly aristocratic Sir Joseph Porter; he is dry enough to make the part his own. Jeffrey Skitch makes a firm, strong first-class Captain, and the two lovers, Thomas Round and Jean Hindmarsh, sing with romanticism. Gillian Knight makes an impressive D'Oyly Carte debut as Little Buttercup, and George Cook as the Boatswain is perfectly resonant. As for the minor cast, Donald Adams makes an extremely menacing Dick Deadeye. The first-class choral singing and orchestral playing underpin the whole piece, and the present digital remastering presents a version of the recording that never belies its age. A must for all Savoyards!

This is another great hit by Gilbert and Sullivan, in my oppinion, only seconded by "The Prates of Penzance". The lyrics are witty, the score is impeccible.The only downfall in this opera is some of the parts were horribly casted, Buttercup is overdramatic and Ralph (Rafe) Rackstraw sings like he need to go to the bathroom urgently.BUY IT!

This is a wonderful production of Pinafore. I still remember summer camp back in the late thirties - I was a skinny young girl and played one of the sailors. Even if I weren't familiar with Gilbert and Sullivan, I would highly recommend this Doylye Carte arrangement. It's major terrific. Sounds lots better than we did.

I have no doubts about declaring this the best recorded performance of Gilbert and Sullivan's most popular comic opera.One of a series recorded by Decca in the 60s it is greatly enhanced by the inclusion of full dialogue which makes it very accessible to any newcomer to the piece, and hugely enjoyable to those of us who love it.The seasoned cast is representative of the best traditions and practice of the D`Oyly Carte, presenting an authentic performance that I'm sure the great partnership would have approved of.A fine ensemble that includes John Reed, Donald Adams and Gillian Knight – all deliver sterling work in their roles, capturing the fun, subversion and polite satire of Gilbert's libretto – not to mention Sullivan's terrific and enduring melodies.This CD set has been released several times in different editions, so the packaging and box art varies but all editions contain a synopsis – you won't really miss the lack of a libretto – dialogue and singing is clear and easy to follow.Warmly recommended.CD 1 has a run-time of just over 57 minutes, CD 2 just under 41 minutes.

The item arrived on time & as described. Went to see The G&S's Pirates of Penzance recently at the ENO & loved it. Trying to get into the rest of their works if I can. Thanks

Good quality recording

Excellent. Qaulityand price.

One of thier finest works. Well worth purchasing if you are a fan.