ARTHUR SULLIVAN

Nominated for Best Opera Recording

 

             ****   Good

Marcel Louis

                *****
                             

Robert Fraunholzer       
 

                    Repertoire ***      Sound ****

Gerhard Persche

“…This recording, conceived by Richard Hickox and dedicated to his memory, is quite marvellous, well engineered, excitingly conducted and played, cast with a First XI of native artists – bravo Chandos!”

Rodney Milnes
   

“...Chandos’s recorded sound and production are up are to its customary standards. The scenes with on-and off-stage trumpets (such as the magnificent one which concludes Act One) have vivid perspectives and there is a good balance between voices and orchestra; indeed the clarity of the latter is impressive.”

Timothy Ball

“… The performance benefits from conductor David Lloyd-Jones’ forthright and deeply committed leadership and from tenor Toby Spence’s beautiful shapely performance in the title role; there are also fine contributions by sopranos Janice Watson and Geraldine McGreevey as the two female principals and baritone Neal Davies as Richard Lionheart.”
 

Joshua Kosman

              ****

Xavier de Gaulle

"...If you like grand opera then this is for you and Chandos are to be congratulated in completing the project begun by the late Richard Hickox."

Peter Worsley

Performance *****      Recording *****

“…We can at last hear what Sullivan conceived and it’s impressive.”

Michael Scott Rohan
 

“…The recording,conducted with love and commitment by David Lloyd-Jones, was the brainchild of the late Richard Hickox, to whom it is dedicated. Toby Spence is an impeccable Ivanhoe opposite Janice Watson’s aristocratic if effortful Rowena. But it’s Geraldine McGreevy and James Rutherford, astonishing as Rebecca and Brian, who will really sweep you away.”  ****

Tim Ashley
 

“…All concerned are to be congratulated on this magnificent recording…”  *****

Richard Lawrence
 

“…Here at last is a recording [Ivanhoe] – planned for the late conductor Richard Hickox but realised in his memory – that makes the best possible case for the opera. A superb A-list cast of British soloists is led by Neal Davies as King Richard, Toby Spence as Ivanhoe  and Geraldine McGreevy as Rebecca. There are lovely set pies, including a touching aria for Rowena(Janice Watson) and a brooding one for Ulrica (Catherine Wyn-Rogers), David Lloyd-Jones conducts with an ideal balance of swagger and lyricism.”
“…Anyone who enjoys the serious side of Sullivan, as in Yeoman of the Guard, will find much to enjoy here…”

Nicholas Kenyon

 

                            Record of the Month

“…David Lloyd-Jones must be congratulated for the energetic pace he sets, never rushed but always advancing in a purposeful way. This has made all the difference to the way this kind of recording is perceived.”…

“The singers provide a polished performance, sing superbly and support each other admirably. Special mention should be made of Janice Watson with sincerity of portrayal and effortless top notes; Toby Spence with his strength of delivery and powerful presence; and peter Rose for warmth of tone and clear diction…. The chorus is fine and adds considerable weight to the opera. What has made all the difference in this recording is the impact that is added by the meaningful phrasing of the vocal lines and absence of bland characterisation.”…

“… sure to please the harshest of critics.”

Raymond J Walker  

 

“…Sullivan’s tuneful score makes for pleasant listening in this recording, planned for the late Richard Hickox, but stylishly conducted by David Lloyd-Jones. A fine British cast is headed by Toby Spence and Geraldine McGreevy, with James Rutherford as the lustful baddie.”

Hugh Canning
 

“…In the title-role, Spence is on top form, catching Ivanhoe’s nobility in a voice which has grown stronger and fuller over the years. His tone is clean: free from breathiness and rough edges. He reacts fittingly, be Ivanhoe wooing or warring. Other roles are satisfactorily undertaken.
The project is dedicated to Richard Hickox, who ‘took the enthusiastic initiative’ to record the work. In his place, David Lloyd-Jones secures fine playing from the orchestra and gives a worthy illustration of what Sullivan could do in the field of serious opera.

John T Hughes

                    Gramophone Recommends
“…The three key roles are well cast. Toby Spence admirably balances heroic and lyrical demands, culminating in a fine Act 3 solo ‘Come gentle sleep’.  James Rutherford as Sir Brian de Bois –Guilbert and Geraldine McGreevy as Rebecca combine to bring the most out of Act 2, Scene 3 – the opera’s musical high point.”
“…nobody interested in British opera should miss this opportunity to hear a work that represents a milestone in British operatic history."

Andrew Lamb