Is anyone else here a Gilbert and Sullivan fan?
@bagarad (14283)
Paso Robles, California
August 29, 2011 10:04pm CST
I was introduced to these comical light operas when I was in junior high some 55 years ago and our school put on a musical production of the Mikado. I was in the band, so I learned the music and heard all the rehearsals. Later on I got the record set (back in the days of LP's) so I could learn the music better and my cousin took me to actually see the Long Beach Civic Light Opera perform this. Later I got a book of the complete script and lyrics of the operettas, and wanted to hear the music from some of other others that I had enjoyed reading. I was able to later see professional productions of some of them, as well.
Have you ever seen or performed in a Gilbert and Sullivan light opera or heard any of the songs? If so, which one or ones? Did you enjoy it? Why or why not? You Tube has many songs and many different versions of the same songs performed by both professional and amateur groups if you'd like to sample them. "I've Got a Little List" is one of the most popular, since it is a list of those it is suggested that the Lord High Executioner should behead to avoid being executed himself. The plots of all Gilbert and Sullivan operas are ridiculous, but funny, and they usually are satirical, as well. If you want to experience some of the harmony, listen to the song on You Tube "I am so proud," as three characters explain why they really would like to volunteer to be executed, but really must decline the honor. You have to admire the skill of the singers as they articulate the alliterative syllables in the song without slurring their words. I love this sort of music, and I'm wondering if any of you who are younger also can appreciate it. If you would like to learn the plot and hear some of the songs from the Mikado, I wrote a squidoo lens about it that includes the videos from You Tube I mentioned, and more. Here's the link if you'd like to check it out: http://www.squidoo.com/gilbert-and-sullivan
1 person likes this
3 responses
@greenline (14838)
• Canada
30 Aug 11
Thank you so much for sharing the link. Yes, I am a Gilbert and Sullivan fan. I have not been in any music bands or singing groups. I do not have the skills like you have. But, I very much enjoy listening to the music and the songs. Yes, indeed, You Tube carries a lot of those music, many oldies too. I often search for my favorites on You Tube, and listen to them, songs of Perry Como, Bing Crosby, Frank Sinatra, Louis Armstrong jazz bands, and so on. Thank you so much again !
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@bagarad (14283)
• Paso Robles, California
30 Aug 11
It sounds like we have a lot of common musical tastes. I have been amazed at what I can find on You Tube. Have you ever seen Glibert and Sullivan's Patience? It's my second favorite. It satirizes phoniness among literary intellectuals, as well as the gullibility of some people and the fultility of trying to be something you are not. One of the best scenes shows the miliary men dancing around trying to imitate the phoney poet all the woman are swooning over, thinking being more like him will help them get the girls back.
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@GreenMoo (11833)
•
30 Aug 11
I'm not a fan as such, but it always astonishes me how many well known tunes are theirs. When I was a teenager I played in a band, and we played many Gilbert and Sullivan numbers. In many cases I didn't know or care who the composer of the music was, and it's only been since then that I've realised how many Gilbert and Sullivan songs I recognise.
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@BarBaraPrz (51819)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
30 Aug 11
[Two] little maids are we...
I remember learning some of the songs in music class in grade 5 and 6, but I don't think we ever sang them as quickly as the professionals do. I know I find it difficult to keep up when I try to sing along whenever I happen to hear one of their tunes. There used to be a fellow on the CBC who would regularly play some once a week on his show, but he has since retired, CBC's changed their programming to include (too much) contemporary music and it is a genuine treat if someone should play some G&S.
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@bagarad (14283)
• Paso Robles, California
30 Aug 11
I bought three of the videos a few years ago, but, alas, I rarely have time to sit down and watch them. It seems whenever I do have some spare time (or steal it) I either go for a photo walk or relax with a book. Gilbert and Sullivan is something I have to pay full attention to or just not listen to at all, since it doesn't make good background music for writing. I'd want to be singing along or at least listening carefully. I can't concertrate on any kind of computer work if anything that has words is playing. I have never heard any Gilbert and Sullivan on the media, but I don't have a TV, so the only media we have is radio, and I rarely have time to listen to that except in the car or when I'm working in the kitchen.
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@BarBaraPrz (51819)
• St. Catharines, Ontario
31 Aug 11
As of tonight, all I'll have is radio, too, as analog broadcasters are forced off the air and the age of free TV finally is over.
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