Usually, when I listen to operas, or far more often, operettas, I prefer recordings from the 1950's and earlier. This is because I prefer the older singing styles and techniques. The modern ones tend to give me a headache and don't sound right in any case. But if I find a later recording of an older singer, or an extraordinarily rare modern recording of a singer who follows the old style (some do exist), I will listen to it. The Knowle Operatic Society (under that name, as they changed later and now do a lot of modern rubbish), is an exception to that rule. They can't exactly compare to the old singers, but they definitely respect the plays they perform and do their best. They even did King's Rhapsody, for which I am eternally grateful. As any fan of Ivor Novello knows, finding his plays with full dialogue is almost impossible. Anyway, they also did this one, Merrie England, by Edward German. I haven't seen this yet, but this man is supposed to be so similar to Gilbert and Sullivan that Arthur Sullivan himself said he should be his successor, and indeed, after Sullivan's death, German finished his Emerald Aisle, which I also must see.
youtube.com/watch?v=ac7Cy8E_o0…
So now, I will watch this one. Please, if anyone knows where I can find full recordings (or old recordings of songs) from English or Viennese (translated into English if full) operettas let me know. I am always seeking more. And if you are a singer of the old style, thank you so much for sharing your lovely work with the world!
Here we go!
Merrie England-Knowle Operatic Society-1981
youtube.com/watch?v=sly5elfzDH…
There are many good recordings of songs from about 1918 through the 1950's on Youtube. But just for sheer enjoyment, here are the disks with Edward German as conductor!
Merrie England (Edward German), 11 Shellac Record Version from 1918 4
youtube.com/watch?v=JbHzbvBxt_…
And here is one that I simply had to include, because I love this man's voice. I must find more by him. I didn't know of him before now. I adore light tenors!
John Harrison (Edward German conducts) - The English rose (merry england) (hmv d27) (02798) (1918)
youtube.com/watch?v=nffI72wYnm…
#EdwardGerman #GilbertAndSullivan #operetta #operettas #KnowleOperaticSociety #MerrieEngland #theater #theatre