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The success that eventually greeted H.M.S. Pinafore in
1878 was overwhelming and, because of the lack of robust copyright
laws in America, unauthorised productions sprang up everywhere.
Piano-vocal scores were published, but it was left to potential
producers to make their own orchestrations since, in order to
protect authentic productions of the work, the orchestral material
and scores were kept under lock and key.
Since the British copyright expired, it has been possible to
purchase a form of the orchestral material taken from uncorrected
band parts previously only available on hire from the D'Oyly Carte
Opera Company. Authentic full scores have never been issued.
Americans have always been enthusiasts for Gilbert & Sullivan.
The enterprising academic publishing house of Broude Brothers
Limited of Williamstown, Massachusetts, has been working for some
30 years on accurate critical editions of all the Gilbert &
Sullivan operas - a project now culminating in the publication
of new vocal scores, band parts and full scores.
(from the press release issued by Ian T. Pattison)
On January 9th, 2005, Severnside Theatre Ensemble presented the
world premiere of the new Broude Critical Edition of H.M.S.
Pinafore at Saint George's Church, Barbourne, Worcester, conducted
by Ian T. Pattison. This was a pre-publication beta-test
of the vocal scores and orchestra parts.
Bruce I. Miller had been intending to carry out this beta-test
at College of the Holy Cross,with the participation of several
STE members. Sadly, Bruce died before his project could come to
fruition. STE therefore presented the beta-test as the official
UK tribute to Bruce.
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| Midshipmite R. Paul Lemur
examines the score. |
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CAST
| Sir Joseph Porter |
Justin
Bindley |
| Captain Corcoran |
Leon Berger |
| Ralph Rackstraw |
David Bennett* |
| Dick Deadeye |
Deryck Hamon |
| Bill Bobstay |
Martin Jones |
| Carpenter's Mate |
Paul Thompson |
| Midshipmite |
R. Paul Lemur |
| Josephine |
Sue Black |
| Little Buttercup |
Joan Self |
| Cousin Hebe |
Frances Jellard |
*Severnside Theatre Ensemble
expresses deepest sympathies to the family of David
Bennett, who passed away in 2006.
We all love and miss you, David.
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