Gilbert & Sullivan: The Mikado [Import]

--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.