Dive into the enchanting world of 18th-century opera with John Frederick Lampe's "Pyramus and Thisbe," a delightful mock opera that brings a fresh and humorous perspective to the classic tale. Released in 1995 on the Hyperion label, this album is a treasure trove of musical ingenuity, spanning a captivating 1 hour and 4 minutes.
The album opens with the charming "Flute Concerto in G Major 'The Cuckoo,'" showcasing Lampe's mastery of instrumental composition before delving into the operatic spectacle that is "Pyramus and Thisbe." This mock opera is a delightful blend of wit, humor, and musical brilliance, featuring a cast of characters that bring the story to life with vivid and engaging performances.
The opera is a delightful parody, filled with whimsical characters and unexpected twists, making it a joy to experience from start to finish. The album features a stellar cast of vocalists, including Alan McMahon, Andrew Knight, Arwel Treharne, and Colin Baldy, each bringing their unique talents to the stage. The ensemble's dynamic performances, coupled with Lampe's clever compositions, create a rich and immersive musical experience.
"Pyramus and Thisbe" is not just an album; it's a journey through the playful and imaginative world of John Frederick Lampe. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this album offers a delightful and engaging exploration of 18th-century musical comedy. The detailed notes by Robert Shay provide additional context and insights, enhancing the overall listening experience. Don't miss out on this enchanting and humorous take on a classic tale.
Tracks
Flute Concerto in G Major "The Cuckoo": I. VivaceJohn Frederick Lampe, Rachel Brown, Opera Restor'd, Peter Holman
Flute Concerto in G Major "The Cuckoo": II. AdagioJohn Frederick Lampe, Rachel Brown, Opera Restor'd, Peter Holman
Flute Concerto in G Major "The Cuckoo": III. AllegroJohn Frederick Lampe, Rachel Brown, Opera Restor'd, Peter Holman
Pyramus and Thisbe: I. Prologue (Master, Prompter, Mr Semibrief, 1st Gentleman, 2nd Gentleman, Prologue)John Frederick Lampe, Jack Edwards, Michael Sanderson, Arwel Treharne, Andrew Knight, Alan McMahon, Peter Milne
Pyramus and Thisbe: No. 2a, Overture. Allegretto – Adagio e pianoJohn Frederick Lampe, Opera Restor'd, Peter Holman
Pyramus and Thisbe: No. 2b, Overture. AllegroJohn Frederick Lampe, Opera Restor'd, Peter Holman
Pyramus and Thisbe: No. 2c, Overture – Recit. Poco presto – Affettuoso – Poco presto – Introduction (1st Gentleman, Mr Semibrief, Wall)John Frederick Lampe, Opera Restor'd, Peter Holman
Pyramus and Thisbe: No. 3, Air – Recit. The Wretched Sighs and Groans (Wall, 2nd Gentleman, 1st Gentleman, Mr Semibrief, Pyramus)John Frederick Lampe, Michael Sanderson, Mark Padmore, Jack Edwards, Peter Milne, Alan McMahon, Opera Restor'd, Peter Holman
Pyramus and Thisbe: No. 4, Air. And Thou, O Wall (Pyramus)John Frederick Lampe, Mark Padmore, Opera Restor'd, Peter Holman
Pyramus and Thisbe: No. 5, Air – Recit. O Wicked Wall, Through Whom No Bliss I See (Pyramus, 1st Gentleman, Mr Semibrief, Thisbe)John Frederick Lampe, Alan McMahon, Mark Padmore, Peter Milne, Susan Bisatt, Opera Restor'd, Peter Holman
Pyramus and Thisbe: No. 6, Air – Recit. Fly Swift, Good Time, with Triple Speed (Thisbe, Pyramus)John Frederick Lampe, Mark Padmore, Susan Bisatt, Opera Restor'd, Peter Holman
Pyramus and Thisbe: No. 7, The Whispering Duetto – Recit. Not Shafalus to Procrus Was So True (Thisbe, Pyramus)John Frederick Lampe, Mark Padmore, Susan Bisatt, Opera Restor'd, Peter Holman
Pyramus and Thisbe: No. 8, Duetto – Recit. I Come/Go Without Delay (Pyramus, Thisbe, Wall, 1st Gentleman, 2nd Gentleman, Mr Semibrief, Lion)John Frederick Lampe, Alan McMahon, Susan Bisatt, Peter Milne, Michael Sanderson, Mark Padmore, Andrew Knight, Jack Edwards, Opera Restor'd, Peter Holman
Pyramus and Thisbe: No. 9, Air – Recit. Ladies, Don't Fright You (Lion, 1st Gentleman, 2nd Gentleman, Mr Semibrief, Moon)John Frederick Lampe, Jack Edwards, Arwel Treharne, Andrew Knight, Alan McMahon, Peter Milne, Opera Restor'd, Peter Holman
Pyramus and Thisbe: No. 10, Air – Recit. The Man in the Moon Am I, Sir (Moon, 1st Gentleman, 2nd Gentleman, Thisbe)John Frederick Lampe, Alan McMahon, Arwel Treharne, Jack Edwards, Susan Bisatt, Opera Restor'd, Peter Holman
Pyramus and Thisbe: No. 11, Air. Where Is My Love, My Pyre Dear? (Thisbe, Lion, 1st Gentleman, 2nd Gentleman)John Frederick Lampe, Andrew Knight, Susan Bisatt, Alan McMahon, Jack Edwards, Opera Restor'd, Peter Holman
Pyramus and Thisbe: No. 12, Arioso – Recit. Sweet Moon, I Thank Thee for Thy Sunny Beams (Pyramus)John Frederick Lampe, Mark Padmore, Opera Restor'd, Peter Holman
Pyramus and Thisbe: No. 13, Air – Recit – Arioso. Approach, Ye Furies Fell (Pyramus, 1st Gentleman, 2nd Gentleman, Mr Semibrief)John Frederick Lampe, Peter Milne, Alan McMahon, Jack Edwards, Mark Padmore, Opera Restor'd, Peter Holman
Pyramus and Thisbe: No. 14, Air – Recit. Now I Am Dead (Pyramus, 1st Gentleman, 2nd Gentleman, Mr Semibrief, Thisbe)John Frederick Lampe, Alan McMahon, Mark Padmore, Susan Bisatt, Peter Milne, Jack Edwards, Opera Restor'd, Peter Holman
Pyramus and Thisbe: No. 15, Air. These Lily Lips (Thisbe, 1st Gentleman, 2nd Gentleman, Mr Semibrief)John Frederick Lampe, Jack Edwards, Alan McMahon, Susan Bisatt, Peter Milne, Opera Restor'd, Peter Holman
Pyramus and Thisbe: No. 16, Dance – Epilogue. Gentlemen and Ladies, We've a Boon to Ask (Pyramus, Thisbe)John Frederick Lampe, Mark Padmore, Susan Bisatt, Opera Restor'd, Peter Holman
Pyramus and Thisbe: No. 17, Duetto. Thus Folding (Pyramus, Thisbe)John Frederick Lampe, Mark Padmore, Susan Bisatt, Opera Restor'd, Peter Holman
Pyramus and Thisbe: No. 18, Chorus. Now, E'er You RemoveJohn Frederick Lampe, Opera Restor'd, Peter Holman
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