Decca (New Zealand) LKM-4015/6

London A-4204

Decca LKA 4073

Richmond RS-62010

This recording, the second issued in 1950, presents at least two casting curiosities. The first is Yvonne Dean's double assignment of Tessa and Vittoria. In stage productions of the time, Dean would have played Vittoria and Joan Gillingham Tessa. One can only suppose that Gillingham took ill and Dean was asked to deputise at the last moment. (Dean would eventually become the Company's principal soubrette, but not until several years later.)

The other curiosity, and it has been much discussed over the years, is the crediting of Stanley Youngman in the role of Annibale. Since Annibale is only a speaking part and the recording includes no dialogue, Youngman's inclusion in the credits would seem to be an error. Some critics have speculated that the dialogue was recorded and not issued, but this seems doubtful. As Youngman was D'Oyly Carte's Annibale of record at the time and was undoubtedly present at the sessions, it seems more likely that someone just copied a cast list and didn't bother to delete his name.

This is arguably one of the stronger recordings of the Green era, but given the competition of the legendary 1927 recording and the 1961 recording with complete dialogue, this set seems destined to rank a distant third. It was originally issued simultaneously on LP and 78's and was re-issued on the budget Richmond label. It has also appeared on cassette (Price-Less C26876), with all ninety-three minutes fitting on a single tape and is now available on CD.

During the 1950's, Decca issued highlights of this recording (side 1), coupled with highlights of the 1951 Iolanthe (side 2). The items included were as follows:

1. We're called Gondolieri
2. And now to choose our brides
3. In enterprise of martial kind
4. I stole the Prince
5. When a merry maiden marries
6. Then one of us will be a queen
7. For everyone who feels inclined
8. Rising early in the morning
9. Here we are at the risk of our lives
10. There lived a King
11. Small titles and orders.

Pearl GEMS 0135

Decca Ace of Clubs 1152

Sounds on CD VGS 224. (Cover art by Matt Bland.)