Arne: Thomas and Sally
View record and artist detailsRecord and Artist Details
Composer or Director: Thomas (Augustine) Arne
Label: Collector
Magazine Review Date: 9/1985
Media Format: Vinyl
Media Runtime: 0
Catalogue Number: GSGC7059
Tracks:
Composition | Artist Credit |
---|---|
Thomas and Sally |
Thomas (Augustine) Arne, Composer
Hazel Holt, Soprano Jean Temperley, Mezzo soprano Northern Sinfonia Paul Taylor, Tenor Philip Langridge, Tenor Simon Preston, Conductor Thomas (Augustine) Arne, Composer |
Composer or Director: Thomas (Augustine) Arne
Label: Collector
Magazine Review Date: 9/1985
Media Format: Cassette
Media Runtime: 0
Catalogue Number: ZCGC7059
Tracks:
Composition | Artist Credit |
---|---|
Thomas and Sally |
Thomas (Augustine) Arne, Composer
Hazel Holt, Soprano Jean Temperley, Mezzo soprano Northern Sinfonia Paul Taylor, Tenor Philip Langridge, Tenor Simon Preston, Conductor Thomas (Augustine) Arne, Composer |
Author: Nicholas Anderson
But the scheme falls victim to spectacularly bad timing and just as the squire is in the middle of 'chatting up' Sally along comes Thomas who sums up the scene in appropriately nautical terms: ''What's this I see? May I believe my eyes? A pirate just about to board my prize!'' He orders the squire to ''tackabout and bear away'', but draws upon more local images to express his ardour towards Sally, ''But hang this talking! My desires are keen. You see yon steeple, and know what I mean!'' It's all a delightful eighteenth-century romp in which Arne matches the entertaining and strongly patriotic libretto with a sequence of robust breezy airs.
The recording was issued by Pye some 15 years ago but has been unavailable for a considerable while. The singers comprise a strong team but, though diction is by-and-large clear, it is a pity that the reissue includes neither libretto nor synopsis. The Northern Sinfonia provide lively accompaniment and Simon Preston clearly revels in the pastoral from beginning to end. His direction sparkles with humour and he draws warm, sympathetic performances from singers and players alike. Recorded sound has been marginally improved in the reissue though I experienced some distortion towards the end of Side 1. But in spite of small reservations a warm welcome back to this captivating little opera. May I end with a plea to PRT to reinstate the original insert libretto? It's not fair to the public to issue an opera, however short, with neither synopsis nor text.'
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