The Sargent/Glyndebourne Iolanthe (1959)

Cast Lord Chancellor George Baker Earl of Mountararat Ian Wallace Earl Tolloller Alexander Young Private Willis Owen Brannigan Strephon John Cameron Queen of the Fairies Monica Sinclair Iolanthe Marjorie Thomas Celia April Cantelo Leila Heather Harper Phyllis Elsie Morison Pro Arte Orchestra Glyndebourne Festival Chorus Conductor: Sir Malcolm Sargent Recorded 18 April (Overture) & 21-24 October 1958

EMI CDS7 47381-8

World Record Club SLZ-7071

This recording was the fifth in Sir Malcolm Sargent's series of G&S recordings with grand opera singers taking most of the leading roles. It was the second of the series to feature George Baker in the patter baritone part. Baker was a fixture on the G&S 78rpm sets, and this was his third Chancellor (having recorded it previously in 1923 and 1930). At the time of this recording he was in his late seventies. His age is particularly evident in the nightmare song. Either D'Oyly Carte's 1960 recording (with full dialogue) or the New D'Oyly Carte recording (which includes "Fold your flapping wings") will be the more appealing choice.