This magnificent recording, sponsored by the Sir Arthur Sullivan Society, is the latest in a series of works by Sullivan to be conducted by John Andrews with the BBC Concert Orchestra and includes Ben McAteer singing the rôle of Jesus and Natalya Romaniw as Mary. Read John Andrew’s blog ‘Arthur Sullivan, the serious composer’ here and his interview with Katherine Cooper of Presto Music here.
“The Light of the World . . . emerges after many decades of unjust neglect as a splendidly distinctive, unstuffy achievement, brimful of captivating melodic charm, communicative flair and technical confidence, always displaying an enviably sure dramatic instinct. . . . No praise can be too high for the present big-hearted revival. John Andrews directs proceedings with the utmost care and infectious conviction, and elicits ideally fervent and polished results from his assembled choral and orchestral forces. . . . The SACD sound is superb . . . Dutton’s copious presentation is a model of its kind . . . outstandingly thoughtful essays by Martin Yates and Ian Bradley. Plaudits to everyone involved with this enterprising release.” (Andrew Achenbach, Gramophone)
“this is an accomplished, moving and dramatic work that deserves to get a wide audience.” (Robert Hugill, Planet Hugill blog)