Here's an excerpt from the Blue Hill Troupe's staged reading of The Gilbert and Sullivan Operetta "THESPIS" Almost all of the music has been lost and it has been given a new life with an artful reconstruction with new music by Thomas Z. Shepard
I was in the audience for this production, and was so glad I came. I've seen four productions of "Thespis." I have a thing for this first G&S collaboration.
The question with "Thespis": Use music from Sullivan's other works, or compose new music? Here, the new music worked well. Music from Sullivan's other works can seem shoe-horned when applied to "Thespis." But not necessarily. On one recording, music from "The Grand Duke" ("All Is Darksome" from Act II) blended nicely with this number.
Very enjoyable. Like seeing the premiere of a Gilbert And Sullivan operetta. Much applause to the composer who writes in Sullivan's style without quoting his music. I hope this will be orchestrated and come out on cds.
I was in the audience for this production, and was so glad I came. I've seen four productions of "Thespis." I have a thing for this first G&S collaboration.
The question with "Thespis": Use music from Sullivan's other works, or compose new music? Here, the new music worked well. Music from Sullivan's other works can seem shoe-horned when applied to "Thespis." But not necessarily. On one recording, music from "The Grand Duke" ("All Is Darksome" from Act II) blended nicely with this number.
prchristman 3 years ago
Very enjoyable. Like seeing the premiere of a Gilbert And Sullivan operetta. Much applause to the composer who writes in Sullivan's style without quoting his music. I hope this will be orchestrated and come out on cds.
jackpoint188 3 years ago