Features: an introduction to the opera by Douglas Fairbanks, Jr., "Making of featurette", Gilbert & Sullivan profile, song index and companion booklet featuring the Iolanthe libretto. Beverley Mills, Derek Hammond-Stroud, Alexander Oliver, Kate Flowers ; London Symphony Orchestra ; Alexander Faris, conductor ; Ambrosian Opera Chorus ; John McCarthy, chorus master.
Summary:
Iolanthe used to be the life and soul of Fairyland but was banished 25 years ago for marrying a mortal. Now, pardoned by the Fairy Queen she returns as a beautiful teenager, but with a 24-year-old son, Strephon, who is half fairy, half mortal. He is in love with Phyllis, a ward of the rather susceptible Lord Chancellor. For a while, these complications wreck havoc with the proceedings of the House of Lords, giving Gilbert a chance to poke fun at that august institution.
This resource is supported by the Institute of Museum and Library Services under the provisions of the Library Services and Technology Act as administered by State Library of Iowa.