Sullivan: The Light of the World
$55.00
Out of Stock2-4 weeks add to cart
ARTHUR SULLIVAN
Sullivan: The Light of the World
Natalya Romaniw, Eleanor Dennis, Kitty Whately, Robert Murray, Ben McAteer, Neal Davies / BBC Symphony Chorus, BBC Concert Orchestra, John Andrews
[ Dutton Epoch SACD / 2 Hybrid SACD ]
Release Date: Tuesday 12 February 2019
This item is currently out of stock. We expect to be able to supply it to you within 2 - 4 weeks from when you place your order.
Commissioned for and first produced at the Birmingham Musical Festival of 1873, The Light of the World is Arthur Sullivan's great oratorio on the life of Christ. Although regularly performed during the composer's lifetime, changing fashions gradually condemned the work to obscurity. Occasional revivals have failed to make the case for it, primarily because it was not understood that The Light of the World is essentially a dramatic work, rather than a purely religious one. When Dutton Epoch and the Sir Arthur Sullivan Society came to record the work, this new understanding enabled a completely different approach to be taken - the result is a vibrant performance by the BBC Symphony Chorus and the BBC Concert Orchestra conducted by John Andrews. They are supported by the Kinder Children's Choir and a fine team of soloists: Natalya Romaniw and Eleanor Dennis (sopranos), Kitty Whately (contralto), Robert Murray (tenor), Ben McAteer (baritone) and Neal Davies (bass).
"It's a rambling piece, and one can't help thinking that Sullivan was right to cut it after early performances, but much of the solo writing is beautifully shaped and, as in all Sullivan, an easy lyricism pervades throughout." The Observer
"This performance is close to ideal. All the soloists make their mark, and conductor John Andrews does an excellent job, bringing constant motion to the score and drawing refined playing from the BBC Concert Orchestra and articulate singing from the BBC Symphony Chorus and the Kinder Children's Choir." BBC Music Choral & Song Choice March 2019
Tracks:
On Shore and Sea - A dramatic cantata (1871) [26:35]
Kenilworth - A masque (1864) [37:22]
