Sullivan The Light of the World

[Alan Howe]

This is certainly lovely - and dramatic - music, but some of the singing could be better. Bass-baritone Neal Davies, for example, sports a formidable vibrato bordering on a wobble which makes for rather uncomfortable listening and tenor Robert Murray is sorely stretched by some of the more strenuous writing (oh, for a modern-day Heddle Nash!). Mind you, Natalya Romaniw whom I've heard at Opera Holland Park is a major talent and a wonderful piece of casting here as Mary, the mother of Jesus. The choral contribution from the BBC Symphony Chorus is also spectacularly fine.

Overall, a much more interesting and beautiful piece than I had been expecting. Thanks go to Mark T. for urging me to explore Sullivan's piece more thoroughly. I'm glad I did.

[Mark Thomas]

Good oh! I do agree with you about both Davies and Murray, by the way, but for me it didn't get in the way of enjoying the recording.

[Alan Howe]

They didn't spoil it for me either, but there is clearly a problem in the modern era. Far too often these days we are subjected to sub-standard, unlovely singing from soloists who apparently have made a name for themselves but whose performances hardly bear repeated listening.

[semloh]

Thanks, Mark. Putting you under pressure ( ) squeezed out a delicious reaction - not a masterpiece, yet tuneful, light, masterful orchestration, transparent choral textures and powerful solos. As a Sullivan fan, it sounds pretty good to me, and yet another to go on the 'wants' list!

[Mark Thomas]

It needs to be there, Colin. I'm sure you'll enjoy it.