Album Info
| Artist: | Gilbert And Sullivan, Southern Festival Chorus, Eric Hastings, Cheam Operatic Society Chorus, David Harding |
| Album: | The Grand Duke |
| Released: | UK & Ireland, 1974 |
Tracklist:
| A1 | Won't It Be A Pretty Wedding? | |
| A2 | Pretty Lisa, Fair And Tasty | |
| A3 | By The Mystic Regulation | |
| A4 | Were I A King In Very Truth | |
| A5 | How Would I Play This Part | |
| A6 | My Goodness Me! What Shall I Do? | |
| A7 | Ten Minutes Since I Met The Chap | |
| A8 | About A Century Since | |
| B1 | Strange The Views Some People Hold | |
| B2 | Now Take A Card, And Gaily Sing | |
| B3 | The Good Grand Duke | |
| B4 | As O'er Our Penny Roll We Sing | |
| B5 | When You Find You're A Broken-Down Critter | |
| B6 | Come Hither, All You People | |
| C1 | Oh A Monarch Who Boasts Intellectual Graces | |
| C2 | Oh, Listen To Me, Dear | |
| C3 | The Die Is Cast | |
| C4 | For This Will Be A Jolly Court | |
| C5 | As Before You We Defile | |
| C6 | Take Care Of Him-He's Much Too Good To Live | |
| C7 | Your Highness, There's A Party At The Door | |
| C8 | With Fury Indescribable I Burn | |
| C9 | Now Away To The Wedding We Go | |
| C10 | So Ends My Dream And Broken Ev'ry Promise Plighted | |
| D1 | If The Light Of Love's Lingering Ember | |
| D2 | Come, Bumpers-Aye, Ever-So-Many | |
| D4 | Why, Who Is This Approaching? | |
| D5 | The Prince Of Monte Carlo | |
| D6 | We're Rigged Out In Magnificent Array | |
| D7 | Take My Advice-When Deep In Debt | |
| D8 | Hurrah! Now Away To The Wedding | |
| D9 | Well, You're A Pretty Kind Of Fellow | |
| D10 | Happy Couples, Lightly Treading |
Info About Buying Vinyl From Our Record Store
- We are a small independent record store located at 91 Plenty Rd, Preston in Melbourne's North (Australia)
- We buy and sell new and used vinyl records - if you have a collection you'd like to sell please click here.
- All pictures of the second hand/used vinyl records are actual pictures of the album in stock.
- We ship Australia wide for a flat rate of $10 for standard shipping or $15 for express post.
- Free Shipping for orders $125 and over.
- You can also pick up your order in store, just select Local Pickup at the checkout.
- We also ship internationally - prices vary depending on weight and location.
- We ship vinyls in thick, rigid cardboard mailers with a crushable zone on either side, and for extra safety we bubble wrap the records.
- We almost always ship in stock vinyl next business day (excluding pre orders)
- We are strongly committed to customer satisfaction. If you experience any problems with your order contact us so we can rectify the situation. If the record arrives damaged or doesn't arrive we will cover the cost of replacing or returning the record.
- If you change your mind you have 30 days to return your record but you must cover the cost of returning it to the store.
- You can contact our Melbourne record shop at (03) 9939 3807 or at info@funkyduckvinyl.com
- Happy Listening!
Description
"The Grand Duke," penned by the iconic duo Gilbert and Sullivan, is often touted as their last collaborative effort. While it might not have reached the commercial heights of some of their earlier operettas like "The Mikado" or "H.M.S. Pinafore," "The Grand Duke" is a delightful amalgamation of satirical wit, intricate music, and character-driven narratives.
With the narrative set in the fictitious German Grand Duchy of Pfennig Halbpfennig, the operetta embarks on a tale of theatrical troupes, convoluted romantic engagements, and farcical misunderstandings, all set against a backdrop of political intrigue. The plot's complexity, rife with legal oddities and contractual quirks, is quintessential Gilbert and Sullivan, mirroring their penchant for using absurdity to critique societal norms.
Musically, Sullivan showcases a vast spectrum, from vivacious ensemble numbers to more introspective solo pieces. His ability to craft melodies that are instantly memorable yet sufficiently intricate to warrant repeated listening is evident throughout the operetta.
Songs like "Won't It Be A Pretty Wedding?" exhibit the duo's knack for juxtaposing cheerful melodies with biting, satirical lyrics. Meanwhile, the romantic "Roses And Lilies" provides a poignant musical moment, highlighting Sullivan's versatility as a composer and Gilbert's prowess as a lyricist.
The rendition by the Southern Festival Chorus, Cheam Operatic Society Chorus, under the direction of Eric Hastings and David Harding, adds another layer of authenticity and passion to the operetta. Their harmonious choruses breathe life into Sullivan's compositions, while the solo performances do justice to the nuances of Gilbert's lyrical tapestry.
However, "The Grand Duke" is not without its challenges. The intricacy of its plot, combined with the depth of its satire, can sometimes make it less accessible to the uninitiated. The operetta demands attention and engagement, requiring the listener to immerse themselves fully to grasp its essence.
Moreover, while it contains moments of brilliance, "The Grand Duke" does not consistently maintain the same level of infectious energy and accessibility that some of Gilbert and Sullivan's more popular works do. This might explain its somewhat muted initial reception and its position as a lesser-known gem in their oeuvre.
In conclusion, "The Grand Duke," while not the crowning jewel in Gilbert and Sullivan's repertoire, is an essential piece for aficionados of operetta and the duo's work. It offers a blend of satirical humor, melodic richness, and narrative depth, making it a treat for those willing to delve into its complexities. With this particular rendition, the Southern Festival Chorus and Cheam Operatic Society Chorus, led by Hastings and Harding, bring a freshness and vivacity to the piece, ensuring that "The Grand Duke" continues to resonate and entertain contemporary audiences.
