'The sun whose rays are all ablaze' (high quality stereo version) Valerie Masterson The Mikado 1966

Colour corrected footage taken from 'The Mikado' (1966)
Synchronised to audio from the Decca LP 'The Mikado' (1973) conducted by Royston Nash.

[@barefootinroann]

This piece proves Gilbert and Sullivan’s versatility - writers of exquisitely beautiful music as well as comedic and intellectual geniuses. Masterson’s voice is induplicable.

[@suelowe1881]

Valerie Masterson went to the same school as I did, and we still had the same music teacher that she'd had. When I was in the choir we performed The Creation and she came to perform the solo parts with us - I feel very privileged to have been part of that.

[@vickilawshe4650]

That is so wonderful! My dad introduced me to the G&S shows on PBS when I was young, and I totally fell in love with her voice. Big fan for over 50 years.

[@orion8835]

She went on to study in Italy. Then returned to the UK this is why her control and diction is wiry and strong.

[@S.Lander]

OMG What an English rose.

[@cesarvidelac]

❤🤗

[@robthompson7816]

A consummate performance! Perfect minimal acting, an enchanting voice under perfect control, delicious phrasing and astounding physical beauty. I saw and heard Miss Masterson in Cardiff's New Theatre in 1968: an unforgettable experience. Now in her later years, she has become a wise and inspiring commentator. ARW

[@richardknight9890]

My dad sadly died on the 10th February aged 94. He loved Valerie Masterson and Gilbert and Sullivan and it will be a fitting tribute when this song is played at his funeral as a moment of recollection,

[@MichaelHusseyNYC]

I’ve been listening to dozens of renditions of this incredible song, and I think Valerie Masterson’s might just the best rendition of all of them. Wow.

[@maryc.dalton1284]

The loveliest version of this song, ever.

[@hank1519]

Her diction is flawless!

[@davidalangordon]

This is an amazingly well crafted aria and performance. Her emphasis and phrasing are perfect. Her separation of "and" form "I" is very well done.

[@aqualady0]

I rarely meet anyone who appreciates G&S Another reason to thank my dear mother. DBE

[@elspethcoke4258]

I remember my father commented when the family went to a D' Oyle Carte Opera that he remarked that Valerie Masterson who was in a principle role would go far ! He was not mistaken. i have seen her many times since and had the pleasure of meeting her backstage at Royal Albert Hall one evening.

[@chrissmith3369]

Absolutely stunning !!!❤❤❤

[@ahay241]

Valerie Masterson. Absolutely divine voice and a stunning actress. Saw her as Yum Yum and Mabel, absolutely exquisite.

[@anthonyauguste4565]

I Tony Auguste had the good fortune to be asked to photograph (stills) the Mikado, filmed at Golders Green theatre. A most pleasant job and Valerie and became very close friends, such a delightful girl. I will never forget her although I speak of 1966. I am now 90. Here are some of my pictures.

[@anthonyauguste4565]

I

[@mwhite6522]

Easily one of the greatest melodies ever written by mankind. I wish it was on the Voyager album, headed for another galaxy.

[@q4fire]

This is transcendent

[@erpollock]

Valerie Masterson is simply perfect. A combination of beauty of voice and expression, with a minimum of motion. The expression is in her voice, not her arms. They are merely a slight accompaniment. How I wish I had known her singing when I was a teenager and first encountered G&S.

[@SarahConnolly63]

Whoever disliked this needs to clean out their ears

[@officialbrandonmatienzo]

Fr this song is lit

[@borleyboo5613]

We used to sing this at school though not like this lovely lady. Beautifully done.

[@robinnoad7653]

Wonderful one of my favourite singers - thanks so much - what a great job you did in synching the music and old film footage! Thank you!

[@Hertog_von_Berkshire]

Best bit of the Mikado.

[@Nina5144]

This is a beautiful song - it blew me away when I first saw it performed at the savoy.

[@ianmorton2798]

It has become common to 'knock' Gilbert and Sullivan. However, if you look and understand their 'message' it is as relevant today, as the day it was penned.

[@cyclemath]

I agree. Gilbert was a top notch wordsmith, and Sullivan was the best classical tunesmith of all time I reckon. Move over Mozart, Verdi, Offenbach and the rest. I, mainly a bluesy, folky, rock 'n' roller, went with my parents once to see Valerie Masterson at Birmingham Town Hall. She was outstanding, needless to say.

[@knowscountchen7305]

the most beautiful version. unforgettable

[@hugovandermeer1566]

Such wonderful coloratura.

[@Arcimbosco]

"The sun, whose rays Are all ablaze With ever-living glory, Does not deny His majesty He scorns to tell a story! He don't exclaim, "I blush for shame, So kindly be indulgent." But, fierce and bold, In fiery gold, He glories all effulgent! I mean to rule the earth, As he the sky We really know our worth, The sun and I! I mean to rule the earth, As he the sky We really know our worth, The sun and I! Observe his flame, That placid dame, The moon's Celestial Highness; There's not a trace Upon her face Of diffidence or shyness: She borrows light That, through the night, Mankind may all acclaim her! And, truth to tell, She lights up well, So I, for one, don't blame her! Ah, pray make no mistake, We are not shy; We're very wide awake, The moon and I! Ah, pray make no mistake, We are not shy; We're very wide awake, The moon and I!"

[@bleacherz7503]

Thanks!!!!!

[@Vurbanowicz]

A lot went into recreating this performance from the 1960s and 1970s, and if you ask me it was worth the effort. And being a G&S tune, the message is strikingly unusual: "I accept the fact that I am the most beautiful woman on earth, and since the sun and the moon are not diffident regarding their own glory, neither will I be about mine." Of course, this is hardly in the Japanese character!

[@danilo22uk]

thank you so much for what you are doing

[@happyarcadia]

Thank you Colin. I appreciate the comment. I will be posting more of these 'remastered' clips over the coming days.

[@fractuss]

So beautiful.

[@esmeephillips5888]

Sometimes called the first great pop song, and Linda Lewis put it back in the UK charts in the 1970s. Few later numbers in musicals have melded a beautiful melody and intelligent lyrics so deftly. IIRC it was Sammy Cahn who said of the American Songbook 'We all go back to Gilbert'.

[@ladybooksmith3347]

Gilbert and Sullivan were British.

[@Lanceawright]

Love this song. Love it live better.

[@nmuphelps1]

Superb!!!

[@susanvaughan-schiele210]

❤️wow. what a brilliant rendition. why isn't this singer better known? or is that my ignorance?

[@jeffrey3895]

Susan. I live in Australia and even I have known of her since forever. Her voice is truly divine.

[@cesarvidelac]

Thank you very much for sharing this, I don't know if you posted it before, but this version was taken down by allmighty youtube. Thank you so much!

[@happyarcadia]

Thanks for your comment. This is the first time that I have posted it. Glad you enjoyed it.

[@cesarvidelac]

@@happyarcadia Excellent work! As I said, somebody did the same you did some years before, but youtube decided to remove the video after several years. So thanks for bringing her back!

[@paddyb1957]

Can anyone else remember a cover version of this being sung on top of the pops U.K probably in the 70’s ? Or did I just imagine it?

[@Bittersweet.Symphony.]

Linda Lewis?

[@paddyb1957]

@@Bittersweet.Symphony. thank you so much, I thought I was going crazy in my old age .

[@Bittersweet.Symphony.]

@@paddyb1957 If It's the one I am thinking of, LL did a far better job. Different arrangement

[@paddyb1957]

@@Bittersweet.Symphony. it is the one I was looking for, thank you, it takes me back to my carefree youth ha.

[@DancairoOpera]

viddywell, you and I seem to have similar interests (or videos anyway). I posted the 1973 version from the Beeb a while back ( kzbin.info/www/bejne/gWLMpHyGdpqMebs ) and actually met Valerie a few times. Is it ok if I link to your channel from mine? These productions deserve to be seen and appreciated. Thank you

[@happyarcadia]

Thank you. Yes please do link to my channel. I have just subscribed to yours

[@ARCtheCartoonMaster]

Is it me, or does this lady kinda look like Shirley from _Laverne & Shirley_ ?

[@Themanwhocameback2]

Duh. Its you.

[@moondogsapien106]

Brick brought me here.