"...Divine Arts Recording Group has made a major contribution to British Light Opera with this fine exploration of Lionel Monckton’s music.I noted in an earlier review of the same group’s release of Herman Finck’s music that they have managed ‘to capture the mood and the spirit of the Edwardian and Georgian times’. Other reviewers have noted the ‘Germanic’ and ‘Michigan’ accents as opposed to that of ‘Mayfair’ in the performance of these numbers. However, true as this may be, it is a trifling matter. The enunciation, clarity and mood are near-perfect. Besides, my ‘Estonian’ is not so dusty. The performers, led by Mart Sander are all members of the Bel-Etage Theatre in Tallinn, which was itself an old music hall. In addition, let us not forget the orchestra who make such an important contribution to the success of this disc. I was delighted by the sound quality of this CD: the ambience is ideally suited to this kind of music.
John France - MusicWeb-International.com - July 2012
“...a wealth of easy melodies… Monckton had a remarkable facility for catchy songs… it’s wonderful to hear [these musicals].. the wonderful score [The Arcadians] enchants in an attractive medley. Truly bewitching. I have been waiting for decades to hear [The Quaker Girl] and I have liked nearly everything I have heard from this score”
American Record Guide
“All three stage comedies are presented as selections… the judgement is invariably astute and the selections are unjoltingly cleverly constructed. When it comes to The Arcadians’ song "My Motter" Sander proves a dab hand at Estonian Cockney and at playing the lush and Mariliina von Uexküll proves to have a fine, flexible voice with operatic-soubrettish quality (good coloratura as well) as she copes neatly with her tongue-twisting song "Pipes of Pan" – not easy to do even if your first language is English. There are plenty of opportunities for character singing and acting here and the orchestra has a good supportive opportunity in "Arcady is Ever Young". The principals and band prove worthy ambassadors for this music. ”
Jonathan Woolf
Music Web
“The melody man long neglected at home finds some champions in Estonia…marvellous melodies…quite delightful.. Mart Sander demonstrates…how well-shaped and heartfelt Monckton’s melodies could be. Mariliina von Uexküll’s sweet-toned soprano is no less winning…an enterprising and delightful issue”
Andrew Lamb
Gramophone
“This recording is a worthwhile collector’s item… This genre is so much a part of Britain’s heritage… a distinctive charm that should not be underestimated. This is an enjoyable and well recorded disc. I find the quality of the singing excellent with warm sopranos providing good expression, a distinctive tenor and resonant baritone, as well as the support of an excellent chorus.”
Raymond Walker
Music Web
“Delicious music…sheer joy. Full of gems, brilliant CD”
Denby Richards
Muscial Opinion
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