Arthur Sullivan: Haddon Hall
[Haddon Hall] is..an undeserved obscurity, as this splendid new recording from the Divine Art amply proves. The score is prime Sullivan; he never wrote a lovelier aria than "Queen of the Garden bloomed a rose." Haddon Hall......is......nearly flawless. High praise for the excellent cast, especially the lovely Mary Timmins as Dorothy Vernon, Fiona Main as Dorcas, and Maxwell Smart as the McCrankie. Good choral singing especially, and fine playing by the orchestra. A libretto is included. In an era in which few operas are being recorded at all, much less repertoire rarities, this is a true find, and is highly recommended" --FanfareDuring recent years record collectors have been grateful for the enterprise and imagination of Stephen Sutton's aptly named Divine Art label, and here is another winner. ..........the Chorus and Orchestra of the Prince Consort has produced an infectious recording of what deserves to be a regularly staged member of the Savoy Opera repertory. With 15 singing and one speaking parts Haddon Hall is no inexpensive work to stage but listening to these CDs is such a delight that it must be possible to convince the legion of G&S; quality amateurs to bring it to life. The Sir Arthur Sullivan Society has collaborated with Divine Art in this project and their number is 01388-710308. This is Sullivan at his best.......... we have a wealth of solos, duets and ensembles filled with drama, eloquence, and sheer joie-de-vivre. Not to be missed" - --Musical OpinionHADDON HALL is easily the best of the Prince Consort recordings. All of the roles are at least acceptably cast, the orchestral playing is generally to a high standard, and the chorus shine. This is a set that will give pleasure for years to come. There is much to discover in this score, and I heartily recommend it to those who have yet to discover Sullivan outside of the G&S; canon. An unfamiliar opera needs a great recording, and I think this is one............David Lyle coaxes a great sense of drama out of the Consort Orchestra......The chorus sing beautifully. The two-CD set comes with a generous booklet that includes the complete libretto. Overall, it's a most welcome addition to the Sullivan discography". --The Gilbert & Sullivan Discography