Sullivan 'Overture di Ballo' - John Wilson conducts

Sir Arthur Sullivan's 'Overture di Ballo' is a concert work first conducted by the composer in 1870. Described as 'A Dance Overture,' it was the opening item in a programme of British Light Music given in London's Royal Festival Hall in 2011 by the BBC Symphony conducted by the immensely versatile musician John Wilson.

[@wurlitzer895]

I'd forgotten just how fine a piece this is. John Wilson and the BBC Symphony certainly did it justice. Without a doubt, Arthur Sullivan knew his business and could turn out a 'corker' when he wanted to!!

[@megbailey8567]

I love this rendition. I love Gilbert and Sullivan ..but t is such a shame that Sullivan's other works are not widely played

[@amielschotz4982]

Without a shadow of a doubt a masterpiece of an overture that stands comparison with any other in the repertoire.

[@waynedexter3446]

A great sentimental reminder! I was in an ameteur orchestra in 1976. I played Cello. We rehearsed and played Di Ballo at Hull City Hall. Very sweet and so melodic - very Sullivan! An underestimated piece of work.

[@coloraturaElise]

What a great piece of music, and so characteristic of Sullivan!

[@arthurcohen369]

jackpoint188 Very. Much could come from his Operetta work.

[@robertwhittaker5477]

Back in the early 1970s, when any serious appreciation of Sullivan's music [whether that composed with or without the libretti supplied by W.S.Gilbert] was almost impossible to find, we all awaited with great anticipation the first new biography by a - supposedly distinguished - musicologist since Herbert Sullivan and Newman Flower's 'Sir Arthur Sullivan, His Life And Work' published only a few years after Sullivan's death. In 1971, Dr. Percy M. Young's new biography was published. An indication of his level of understanding of Sullivan's skill or his music is given by the fact that he decried the overture 'Di Ballo' on the basis that it "might have had some merit", were it not for the fact that Sullivan could not resist the temptation to pander to popularity by filling it full of dance rhythms! Having so greatly missed the obvious point about one of the few non-Gilbert works by Sullivan which were then fairly well known, you can't help wondering why Dr. Young bothered to write his book - in which a similar level of serious interest in his subject was generally displayed - in the first place!

[@TheCalcina]

I think this comment is rather unfair. Mr Young does say of the 'di Ballo' overture: '"Di Ballo was the best evidence of his [Sullivan's] genius so far, for this overture is not only a work of charm but also of wit. It is, especially when considered in context, a work of vitality and power." Percy M Young, Sir Arthur Sullivan, p63

[@crossleydd42]

@@TheCalcina Not withstanding the enjoyment Di Ballo affords, a piece of greater merit is the also tuneful Overture 'Macbeth', which never settles into any one key until the end approaches. I think it's one of Sullivan's more complex and best efforts.

[@mikehore]

Sir Charles Mackerras understood Sullivan. He let the music do the talking.

[@karldelavigne8134]

John Wilson is always beautifully attired.

[@roberthiggs1105]

An excellent performance of a lovely work. Every section of the orchestra is superb and the conductor has terrific control.

[@adam28xx]

Thank you very much!

[@CantaraChristopher]

Thanks for sharing.

[@LeonoraBassisty104]

Is that me or there is 5 horns?

[@PeterCrosland]

A lot of everything, is it really this big or does Wagner follow?