Recordings of H.M.S. Pinafore

Recordings of H.M.S. Pinafore

Background

Recordings

Background

Contemporary Drawing of H.M.S. Pinafore

H.M.S. Pinafore has enjoyed more recordings than any other G&S opera aside from The Mikado. No matter what your taste, if you want a recording of this opera, there is probably one out there to suit you.

The earliest recording available is the 1922 HMV set, recently re-issued on CD. While the sound quality is excellent for the period, it is unlikely to be anyone's first choice. The 1930 recording, featuring golden age D'Oyly Carte stars in most of the roles, is also available on CD.

The original D'Oyly Carte recorded the opera three times in the post-war era: 1949, 1960, and 1971. The latter two are both available on CD. Both have all the dialogue and feature John Reed as Sir Joseph. Most listeners prefer the earlier recording, not only because Reed seems fresher, but also because the sound effects in 1971 seem overdone.

The New D'Oyly Carte has just recorded Pinafore, with complete dialogue and the "lost" ballad for Captain Corcoran, "Reflect, my child," as a bonus track.

Going beyond D'Oyly Carte, the Sir Malcolm Sargent and Sir Charles Mackerras recorded the opera a generation apart—musically complete, with grand opera singers in most of the parts. The Mackerras reading, on one CD, is particularly compelling. Also worth a look is the New Sadler's Wells recording, based on a critical edition of the score, and restoring the original finale.

On video, the 1973 D'Oyly Carte performance gives a good idea of how the opera was traditionally given, but some people find it dull and uninspired. The Brent Walker Pinafore is generally considered about the worst of that series. The Essgee Pinafore has plenty of spirit, but is rewritten to the point of being practically unrecognizable.