Old Men Having Fun

 

That is essentially the plot of The Wasps.

Of course, young people have to get in the way and ruin their retirement fun, but I suppose having a conflict is essential to a story.

I did not know the tale from Aristophanes previously, but in this translation, it is a bawdy tale of hijinks.

Actor Henry Goodman takes up the voice of the main character in a stagey, broad manner, as well as some of the other characters to humorous effect.

Of course, this would all be for nought if the music wasn't worth it. It is mostly supporting here, so if you are not into narration on record, this won't be the most pleasing artifact. The overture, a 20-minute choral features, and some instrumental dances are the standout choral and orchestral spotlights.

But, if you are on board with a tale aside music, Sir Mark Elder, the Hallé Orchestra and Chorus, and the actors all have a jolly time with this comedy.

A review from 2022

Ribaldry is in full swing with Ralph Vaughan Williams’ incidental music to Aristophanes' The Wasps. Sir Mark Elder leading the Hallé Orchestra and men’s chorus, present a premier recording of this bawdy (un)morality tale. British actor Henry Goodman is on board for the spoken drama.

Set across three Acts, including a 20-minute choral Parabasis concluding Act II, an agéd military pensioner, who enjoys convicting the rich as a jurist, is assuaged by his societally chic son to keep his eccentricities and politics domestic. Teaching an old dog new tricks provides difficult however, and ends raucously.

I admit, I have only heard the Overture from The Wasps from André Previn on RCA, although other little bits have found popularity on record. The Hallé Orchestra sounds great here, and the instrumentals get plenty of time away from the chorus and acting to present the best parts of RVW’s work.

There is a lot of humorous cheek here, and VW leans into this aspect with the orchestra. Still, a lot of the music is supporting, so standout orchestral music is not the center of attention on this recording. Elder leads strongly though, and sits next to a very fine recording from him of RVW’s Job, also on Hallé.

The choral music is not the most memorable; it tends towards purposeful and characterful under the Hallé men’s chorus. An elderly Greek chorus, it is full of wit and delicious provincial vocabulary, crisply delivered on this recording. I especially appreciate the chorus’ very closely captured texts, as well as their rustic choral characterization. Pretty it ain’t, but effective as drama i’tis.

Henry Goodman will be a love it or hate it affair for listeners. Much like a radio play, Goodman takes many roles and gives each broad personality. There is no subtlety involved from Goodman, but neither do I think does Aristophanes' comedic text require it. He is all in, and could easily change a sour mood into pure amusement. The few spoken offerings from the chorus are also rather arch.

I had a blast with this recording, although many might find it uncouth. The sonics are rather fine, although the spoken roles are set back just a tad in comparison to the music. The orchestral treatment is welcomingly bold and I enjoy the radio play aspect from Henry Goodman and chorus.

 

 

 

 

Work
The Wasps

Soloists
Henry Goodman, narrator

Ensembles
Hallé Chorus
Hallé Orchestra
Mark Elder, conductor

Label: Hallé
Year: 2006
Timing: 1.45.37

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

A comedy full of ribaldry, where much of the music takes a backseat to the narration, although a few portions standout.

If you are on board with such a recording, this one should have you rolling in your seat more than savoring the music.

Excellent music making all the same, here from the Hallé performers under Sir Mark.