A crisp and spirited performance (Gilbert & Sullivan: Princess Ida - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra)

Member Name: dcmbarton

Product:	Gilbert & Sullivan: Princess Ida - Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Date:	18/04/09 (62 review reads)
Rating:

Advantages: Many

Disadvantages: None

How wonderful to hear such a crisp and spirited performance on this, one of Gilbert and Sullivan's lesser-known operettas.

Particular mention must be made of Ann Hood as Lady Psyche, but the whole cast is very well put together under the baton of Sir. Malcolm Sargent. As usual the storyline focuses on mistaken identities; men dressing as women, princesses not arriving etc. etc.

There are some lovely tunes and catchy melodies in Princess Ida, though over the years it hasn't become one of the 'favourites'. Despite being recorded in 1965, the sound quality on this CD is absolutely superb and sounds as if the disc was released yesterday.

On the other disc is Sullivan's Pineapple Poll which is made entirely from extracts from other Gilbert and Sullivan operettas. The CD liner notes say these 'pass by so quickly as to bewilder even Sullivan experts'! More spirited playing can be found here with the Royal Philharmonic Orchestral under the baton of Sir. Charles Mackerras, recorded in 1982.

These are both excellent and well-recorded CD's; if you like Gilbert and Sullivan, then you'll like Princess Ida.

Summary: A 'must' for G&S fans