As a Christmas gift, I’d like to give either a CD or a DVD of Gilbert and Sullivan’s Ruddigore. I have an ancient LP (recorded in the 1960s) that I’ve played to death, but I have not heard any recent versions. I’m leaning toward this, but am open to suggestions. The recipient is a G&S fan and amateur singer who has never heard nor seen Ruddigore.
I’m not as familiar with Ruddigore as I am with other Gilbert & Sullivan shows, but I saw this one when it was aired on PBS years ago and I liked it. Of course, I’m also a big fan of Vincent Price, so I may be prejudiced in thinking that he did a great job as Despard Murgatroyd, Lord of Ruddigore, even though he didn’t really sing his songs.
I’m partial to the 1975 version that starred an 8th grade Dinsdale as Sir Roderic R., but you might have difficulty finding a DVD.
When the night wind howls…
The Sadler’s Wells recording that you are leaning toward is an excellent choice, regarded by many Savoyards as the finest Ruddigore yet recorded. The discography from the G&S Online Archive backs me up on this.
Thus speaks Kizarvexius, who sang the roles of Despard and Roderic back in 2002 and appeared as Old Adam just this past summer.
Thanks, folks! I appreciate the responses. I am really tempted to splurge and buy the Sadler’s Wells CD and also the DVD. I saw a YouTube excerpt, and although Vincent Price barely attempts to sing, his delightful hamminess and essential charm are apparent.
It really doesn’t matter…
This particularly rapid, unintelligible patter isn’t generally heard. 