The Phoenix Opera production
Comic opera in three acts
Libretto by G. Stephanie
from a play by C.F. Bretzner
Texts of musical numbers translated
by Joan Cross and Anne Wood
English dialogue translated and adapted
by Hugh Mills
The Cast
David Kelsey, speaking part - Pasha Selim
Mattiwilda Dobbs, soprano - Constanza
Jenifer Eddy, soprano - Blonda
Nicolai Gedda, tenor - Belmonte
John Fryatt, tenor - Pedrillo
Noel Mangin, bass - Osmin
Ambrosian Singers
The Bath Festival Orchestra
Yehudi Menuhin - conductor
Recorded in Abbey Road Studios, London
6-15 October & 22 December 1967
Producer - Ronald Kinloch Anderson
Sound engineer - Neville Boyling
Dialogue production - Wendy Toye
Yehudi Menuhin
'The Abduction from the Seraglio is 'a triumph of love and magnanimity over vindictiveness, covetousness, hate, prejudice and violence.'

'John Fryatt's Pedrillo might well be the best recorded. It is rare to hear a tenor in a comprimario role sing with this kind of tonal beauty and musical skill. His second act aria becomes a highlight in this performance.'