I must confess i didn´t know anything of Arthur Benjamin, but as I have always kind of liked A Tale of Two Cities (who couldn´t?) I ordered this opera. Mind, I don´t regret it, it is an interesting attempt to capture Dicken´s - as always - multilayered plot, has its highlights ... but didn´t really capture me. But this work is worth a try, and it doesn´t cost a fortune to give it this try. I purchased his symphony in the wake of listening to this work ... and at least I know now about the existence of a composer named Arthur Leslie Benjamin (and his "fatally infamous"(critic) "Jamaican Rumba"). Recommended for curious people - because it exists and probably (maybe definitely) this is the only chance to hear it (ever).

See my original review. However, I now think that this is actually the BBC Third Programme broadcast of April 1953, not 1957...which was the first stage production...otherwise, why is there a cast narration at the end?

You cannot ethically review anything unless you have used items or services, eaten food products or in restaurants, watched movies or concerts, and in my case listened to the recording which I haven’t done as of now. I have so many Opera CD recordings I haven’t listened to yet, so I don’t know when I will listen to this one.

excellent service****

A most interesting adaptation, even if Benjamin reveals himself to be rather boring in places and without too much of the necessary dramatic sense. The idea of casting Madame Defarge as the primary role is, however, brilliantly innovative and Amy Shuard predictably rises to the considerable challenge. John Cameron -after being given somewhat short shrift as Carton- finally gets his chance in the final scene and produces some simply beautiful singing; you may remember that he was a stalwart of the Sargent G&S recordings in the '50s-'60s. Heather Harper and Alexander Young (especially) are notable. The rest of the cast is a "Who's-Who" of the British opera scene of the period - for that alone it's worth buying!

Strange opera but interesting

Eine nette Hörspiel Oper.

Speechless when I found this as I never knew a recording existed other than a highlights radio broadcast of a much later production. For me the opera itself is not to my taste but once you start listening you have to see it through. Bought it solely for the cast.

Exciting if somewhat grating work. Usually think of Benjamin as a conservative composer, but he is harmonically pretty adventurous here.

I have tried it, but have not made up my mind about it yet.