Mikado Recording Suggestions?

[Mildred Plotka]

Posted: 7/22/10 at 1:47am

I'm looking for a Mikado recording to purchase. I'm more interested in one with great performances than I am in having every note of the score. Any suggestions?

[Jon]

Posted: 7/22/10 at 11:31am

I'm partial to the D'Oyly Carte recording from the 1960's with John Reed as Koko and Kenneth Sanford as Pooh Bah. Reed is my favorite G&S comic lead.

[tazber]

Posted: 7/22/10 at 1:24pm

I think most people would suggest the D'Oyly Carte version.

For fun though (and only after you've purchased the real version) The Hot Mikado is an excellent arrangement of the score. The recording, which I believe is on 1st Night records, is not so great technically speaking but the hot jazz renditions are fantastic!

[ObiHave]

Posted: 7/22/10 at 7:14pm

Have to agree with the Hot Mikado...never seen it done but talk about fun!!!!

[daredevil]

Posted: 7/22/10 at 9:05pm

Martyn Green performed the "patter" roles for the Doyly Carte Opera company before John Reed did. I think he is much wittier and gives a much more authentic interpretation than Mr. Reed. There is a recording of Mikado that he made along with other early fifty Doyly Carte stalwarts like Richard Watson and Ella Hallman. I would recommend that one.