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The Complete Gilbert & Sullivan (Box Set)
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The Complete Gilbert & Sullivan (Box Set)  (Audio CD) 
by Arthur Sullivan

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Product Details:
Audio CD Release Date: May 13, 2003
Studio: Decca
Composer: Arthur Sullivan
Conductor: Charles Mackerras, Isidore Godfrey, Malcolm Sargent, Royston Nash
Orchestra: New Symphony Orchestra of London, Philharmonia Orchestra of London, Royal Opera House Chorus and Orchestra Covent Garden, Royal Opera House Covent Garden Orchestra, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
Number Of Discs: 24
Format: Box set
Average Customer Rating: based on 4 reviews
Track Listing:
Disc: 1
1. The Gondoliers (The King of Barataria), operetta: Overture
2. The Gondoliers (The King of Barataria), operetta: Act 1. List and learn
3. The Gondoliers (The King of Barataria), operetta: Act 1. Good morrow, pretty maids
4. The Gondoliers (The King of Barataria), operetta: Act 1. For the merriest fellows are we
5. The Gondoliers (The King of Barataria), operetta: Act 1. See, see at last they come to make their choice
6. The Gondoliers (The King of Barataria), operetta: Act 1. Buon' giorno, signorine!
7. The Gondoliers (The King of Barataria), operetta: Act 1. We're called gondolieri, but that's a vagary
8. The Gondoliers (The King of Barataria), operetta: Act 1. And now to choose our brides!
9. The Gondoliers (The King of Barataria), operetta: Act 1. Are you peeping?
10. The Gondoliers (The King of Barataria), operetta: Act 1. Thank you gallant gondolieri
11. The Gondoliers (The King of Barataria), operetta: Act 1. From the sunny Spanish shore
12. The Gondoliers (The King of Barataria), operetta: Act 1. In enterprise of martial kind
13. The Gondoliers (The King of Barataria), operetta: Act 1. O rapture, when alone together
14. The Gondoliers (The King of Barataria), operetta: Act 1. There was a time, a time for ever gone
15. The Gondoliers (The King of Barataria), operetta: Act 1. I stole the Prince
16. The Gondoliers (The King of Barataria), operetta: Act 1. But, bless my heart, consider my position!
17. The Gondoliers (The King of Barataria), operetta: Act 1. Try we life-long we can never
18. The Gondoliers (The King of Barataria), operetta: Act 1. Bride-groom and bride!
19. The Gondoliers (The King of Barataria), operetta: Act 1. When a merry maiden marries
20. The Gondoliers (The King of Barataria), operetta: Act 1. Kind sir, you cannot have the heart, our lives to part
21. The Gondoliers (The King of Barataria), operetta: Act 1. Do not give way to this uncalled-for grief
22. The Gondoliers (The King of Barataria), operetta: Act 1. Then one of us will be a queen
Disc: 2
1. The Gondoliers (The King of Barataria), operetta: Act 1. Now pray, what is the cause of this remarkable hilarity
2. The Gondoliers (The King of Barataria), operetta: Act 1. Replying, we sing as one individual
3. The Gondoliers (The King of Barataria), operetta: Act 1. For ev'ryone who feels inclined
4. The Gondoliers (The King of Barataria), operetta: Act 1. Come let's away - our island crown awaits me
5. The Gondoliers (The King of Barataria), operetta: Act 1. Now, Marco dear, my wishes hear
6. The Gondoliers (The King of Barataria), operetta: Act 1. Then away they go to an island fair
7. The Gondoliers (The King of Barataria), operetta: Act 2. Of happiness the very pith
8. The Gondoliers (The King of Barataria), operetta: Act 2. Rising early in the morning
9. The Gondoliers (The King of Barataria), operetta: Act 2. Take a pair of sparkling eyes
10. The Gondoliers (The King of Barataria), operetta: Act 2. Here we are, at the risk of our lives
11. The Gondoliers (The King of Barataria), operetta: Act 2. After sailing to this land
12. The Gondoliers (The King of Barataria), operetta: Act 2. Dance a cachucha, fandango, bolero
13. The Gondoliers (The King of Barataria), operetta: Act 2. There lived a king, as I've been told
14. The Gondoliers (The King of Barataria), operetta: Act 2. In a contemplative fashion and a tranquil frame of mind
15. The Gondoliers (The King of Barataria), operetta: Act 2. With ducal pomp and ducal pride
16. The Gondoliers (The King of Barataria), operetta: Act 2. This polite attention
17. The Gondoliers (The King of Barataria), operetta: Act 2. To help happy commoners
18. The Gondoliers (The King of Barataria), operetta: Act 2. Small titles and orders for mayors and recorders
19. The Gondoliers (The King of Barataria), operetta: Act 2. I am a courtier grave and serious
20. The Gondoliers (The King of Barataria), operetta: Act 2. Here is a case unprecedented!
21. The Gondoliers (The King of Barataria), operetta: Act 2. Now let the loyal lieges gather round
22. The Gondoliers (The King of Barataria), operetta: Act 2. Speak woman speak, we're all attention!
23. The Gondoliers (The King of Barataria), operetta: Act 2. The royal prince was by the king entrusted
24. The Gondoliers (The King of Barataria), operetta: Act 2. Luiz! Casilda!
25. The Gondoliers (The King of Barataria), operetta: Act 2. One more, gondolieri
Disc: 3
1. Grand Duke (The Statutory Duel), operetta: Overture
2. Grand Duke (The Statutory Duel), operetta: Act 1. Won't it be a pretty wedding
3. Grand Duke (The Statutory Duel), operetta: Act 1. Pretty Lisa, fair and tasty
4. Grand Duke (The Statutory Duel), operetta: Act 1. By the mystic regulation
5. Grand Duke (The Statutory Duel), operetta: Act 1. Were I a king in very truth
6. Grand Duke (The Statutory Duel), operetta: Act 1. How would I play this part
7. Grand Duke (The Statutory Duel), operetta: Act 1. My goodness me! What shall I do?
8. Grand Duke (The Statutory Duel), operetta: Act 1. Ten minutes since I met a chap
9. Grand Duke (The Statutory Duel), operetta: Act 1. About a century since
10. Grand Duke (The Statutory Duel), operetta: Act 1. Strange the views some people hold
11. Grand Duke (The Statutory Duel), operetta: Act 1. Now take a card, and gaily sing
12. Grand Duke (The Statutory Duel), operetta: Act 1. The good Grand Duke of Pfennig Halbpfenning
13. Grand Duke (The Statutory Duel), operetta: Act 1. A pattern to professors of monarchial autonomy
14. Grand Duke (The Statutory Duel), operetta: Act 1. As o'er our penny roll we sing
15. Grand Duke (The Statutory Duel), operetta: Act 1. When you find you're a broken-down critter
16. Grand Duke (The Statutory Duel), operetta: Finale. Come hither, all you people
Disc: 4
1. Grand Duke (The Statutory Duel), operetta: Act 2. As before you we defile
2. Grand Duke (The Statutory Duel), operetta: Act 2. Your loyalty our ducal heart-strings touches...At the outset I may mention
3. Grand Duke (The Statutory Duel), operetta: Act 2. Yes, Ludwig and his Julia are mated!
4. Grand Duke (The Statutory Duel), operetta: Act 2. Take care of him - he's much too good to live!
5. Grand Duke (The Statutory Duel), operetta: Act 2. Now Julia, come, consider it
6. Grand Duke (The Statutory Duel), operetta: Act 2. Your Highness, there's a party at the door
7. Grand Duke (The Statutory Duel), operetta: Act 2. Now away to the wedding we go
8. Grand Duke (The Statutory Duel), operetta: Act 2. So ends my dream...Broken ev'ry promise plighted
9. Grand Duke (The Statutory Duel), operetta: Act 2. If the light of love's lingering ember
10. Grand Duke (The Statutory Duel), operetta: Act 2. Come, bumpers - aye, ever so many
11. Grand Duke (The Statutory Duel), operetta: Act 2. Why, who is this approaching?
12. Grand Duke (The Statutory Duel), operetta: Act 2. The Prince of Monte Carlo
13. Grand Duke (The Statutory Duel), operetta: Act 2. His Highness we know not
14. Grand Duke (The Statutory Duel), operetta: Act 2. We're rigged out in magnificent array
15. Grand Duke (The Statutory Duel), operetta: Act 2. Dance
16. Grand Duke (The Statutory Duel), operetta: Act 2. Take my advice - when deep in debt
17. Grand Duke (The Statutory Duel), operetta: Act 2. Hurrah! Now away to the wedding
18. Grand Duke (The Statutory Duel), operetta: Act 2. Well, you're a pretty kind of fellow
19. Grand Duke (The Statutory Duel), operetta: Act 2. Finale. Happy couples, lightly treading
20. Overture di ballo, for orchestra in E major
21. Henry VIII, incidental music: March & Graceful Dance: Allegro moderato alla marcia
22. Henry VIII, incidental music: March & Graceful Dance
Disc: 5
1. H. M. S. Pinafore (The Lass that Loved a Sailor), operetta: Act 1. Refrain, audacious tar
2. H. M. S. Pinafore (The Lass that Loved a Sailor), operetta: Act 1. Can I survive the overbearing
3. H. M. S. Pinafore (The Lass that Loved a Sailor), operetta: Overture
4. H. M. S. Pinafore (The Lass that Loved a Sailor), operetta: Act 1. We shall sail the ocean blue
5. H. M. S. Pinafore (The Lass that Loved a Sailor), operetta: Act 1. Hail! Men o'war's men
6. H. M. S. Pinafore (The Lass that Loved a Sailor), operetta: Act 1. The nightingale sighed
7. H. M. S. Pinafore (The Lass that Loved a Sailor), operetta: Act 1. A maiden fair to see
8. H. M. S. Pinafore (The Lass that Loved a Sailor), operetta: Act 1. My gallant crew, good morning
9. H. M. S. Pinafore (The Lass that Loved a Sailor), operetta: Act 1. Sir, you are sad
10. H. M. S. Pinafore (The Lass that Loved a Sailor), operetta: Act 1. Sorry her lot who loves too well
11. H. M. S. Pinafore (The Lass that Loved a Sailor), operetta: Act 1. Over the bright blue sea
12. H. M. S. Pinafore (The Lass that Loved a Sailor), operetta: Act 1. Sir Joseph's barge is seen
13. H. M. S. Pinafore (The Lass that Loved a Sailor), operetta: Act 1. Now give three cheers
14. H. M. S. Pinafore (The Lass that Loved a Sailor), operetta: Act 1. When I was a lad
15. H. M. S. Pinafore (The Lass that Loved a Sailor), operetta: Act 1. A British tar
Disc: 6
1. H. M. S. Pinafore (The Lass that Loved a Sailor), operetta: Entracte
2. H. M. S. Pinafore (The Lass that Loved a Sailor), operetta: Act 2. Fair moon to thee I sing
3. H. M. S. Pinafore (The Lass that Loved a Sailor), operetta: Act 2. Things are seldom what they seem
4. H. M. S. Pinafore (The Lass that Loved a Sailor), operetta: Act 2. The hours creep on apace
5. H. M. S. Pinafore (The Lass that Loved a Sailor), operetta: Act 2. Never mind the why and wherefore
6. H. M. S. Pinafore (The Lass that Loved a Sailor), operetta: Act 2. Kind Captain, I've important information
7. H. M. S. Pinafore (The Lass that Loved a Sailor), operetta: Act 2. Carefully on tip-toe stealing
8. H. M. S. Pinafore (The Lass that Loved a Sailor), operetta: Act 2. Farewell, my own
9. H. M. S. Pinafore (The Lass that Loved a Sailor), operetta: Act 2. A many years ago
10. H. M. S. Pinafore (The Lass that Loved a Sailor), operetta: Act 2. A joy! Oh rapture unforseen
Disc: 7
1. Iolanthe (The Peer and the Peri), operetta: Overture
2. Iolanthe (The Peer and the Peri), operetta: Act 1. Tripping hither, tripping thither
3. Iolanthe (The Peer and the Peri), operetta: Act 1. Iolanthe
4. Iolanthe (The Peer and the Peri), operetta: Act 1. Good morrow, good mother
5. Iolanthe (The Peer and the Peri), operetta: Act 1. Fare thee well, attractive stranger
6. Iolanthe (The Peer and the Peri), operetta: Act 1. Good morrow, good lover
7. Iolanthe (The Peer and the Peri), operetta: Act 1. None shall part us
8. Iolanthe (The Peer and the Peri), operetta: Act 1. Loudly let the trumpet bray
9. Iolanthe (The Peer and the Peri), operetta: Act 1. Entrance of the Lord Chancellor
10. Iolanthe (The Peer and the Peri), operetta: Act 1. The law is the embodiment
11. Iolanthe (The Peer and the Peri), operetta: Act 1. My well-beloved Lord
12. Iolanthe (The Peer and the Peri), operetta: Act 1. Nay, tempt me not
13. Iolanthe (The Peer and the Peri), operetta: Act 1. Spurn not the nobly born
14. Iolanthe (The Peer and the Peri), operetta: Act 1. Lords, it may not be
15. Iolanthe (The Peer and the Peri), operetta: Act 1. Said I to myself, said I
16. Iolanthe (The Peer and the Peri), operetta: Act 1. When darkly looms the day
Disc: 8
1. Iolanthe (The Peer and the Peri), operetta: Act 2. When all night long a chap remains
2. Iolanthe (The Peer and the Peri), operetta: Act 2. Strephon's a member of Parliament
3. Iolanthe (The Peer and the Peri), operetta: Act 2. When Britain really ruled the waves
4. Iolanthe (The Peer and the Peri), operetta: Act 2. In vain to us you plead
5. Iolanthe (The Peer and the Peri), operetta: Act 2. Oh, foolish fay
6. Iolanthe (The Peer and the Peri), operetta: Act 2. Though p'r'aps I may incur your blame
7. Iolanthe (The Peer and the Peri), operetta: Act 2. Love unrequited
8. Iolanthe (The Peer and the Peri), operetta: Act 2. If you go in you're sure to win
9. Iolanthe (The Peer and the Peri), operetta: Act 2. If we're weak enough to tarry
10. Iolanthe (The Peer and the Peri), operetta: Act 2. My Lord, a suppliant at your feet
11. Iolanthe (The Peer and the Peri), operetta: Act 2. It may not be
12. Iolanthe (The Peer and the Peri), operetta: Act 2. Soon as we may, off and away
Disc: 9
1. The Mikado (The Town of Titipu), operetta: Overture
2. The Mikado (The Town of Titipu), operetta: Act 1. If you want to know who we are
3. The Mikado (The Town of Titipu), operetta: Act 1. Gentlemen, I pray you tell me
4. The Mikado (The Town of Titipu), operetta: Act 1. A wand'ring minstrel I
5. The Mikado (The Town of Titipu), operetta: Act 1. Our great Mikado, virtuous man
6. The Mikado (The Town of Titipu), operetta: Act 1. Young man, despair
7. The Mikado (The Town of Titipu), operetta: Act 1. And I have journey'd for a month
8. The Mikado (The Town of Titipu), operetta: Act 1. Behold the Lord High Executioner!
9. The Mikado (The Town of Titipu), operetta: Act 1. As someday it may happen that a victim must be found
10. The Mikado (The Town of Titipu), operetta: Act 1. Comes a train of little ladies
11. The Mikado (The Town of Titipu), operetta: Act 1. Three little maids from school are we
12. The Mikado (The Town of Titipu), operetta: Act 1. So please you, Sir, we much regret
13. The Mikado (The Town of Titipu), operetta: Act 1. Were you not to Ko-Ko plighted
14. The Mikado (The Town of Titipu), operetta: Act 1. I am so proud, If I allowed
15. The Mikado (The Town of Titipu), operetta: Act 1. With aspect stern and gloomy stride
16. The Mikado (The Town of Titipu), operetta: Act 1. The threaten'd cloud has pass'd away
17. The Mikado (The Town of Titipu), operetta: Act 1. Your revels cease! Assist me, all of you!
18. The Mikado (The Town of Titipu), operetta: Act 1. Oh fool, that flee-est My hallow'd joys!
19. The Mikado (The Town of Titipu), operetta: Act 1. For he's going to marry Yum-Yum
20. The Mikado (The Town of Titipu), operetta: Act 1. The hour of gladness is dead and gone
21. The Mikado (The Town of Titipu), operetta: Act 1. Ye torrents roar! Ye tempests howl!
Disc: 10
1. The Mikado (The Town of Titipu), operetta: Act 2. Braid the raven hair, Weave the supple tresses
2. The Mikado (The Town of Titipu), operetta: Act 2. The sun whose rays are all ablaze
3. The Mikado (The Town of Titipu), operetta: Act 2. Brightly dawns our wedding day
4. The Mikado (The Town of Titipu), operetta: Act 2. Here's a how-de-do!
5. The Mikado (The Town of Titipu), operetta: Act 2. Miya sama, miya sama, o n'mma no maye ni
6. The Mikado (The Town of Titipu), operetta: Act 2. From ev'ry kind of man Obedience I expect
7. The Mikado (The Town of Titipu), operetta: Act 2. A most humane Mikado never did in Japan exist
8. The Mikado (The Town of Titipu), operetta: Act 2. The criminal cried as he dropp'd him down
9. The Mikado (The Town of Titipu), operetta: Act 2. See how the fates their gifts allot
10. The Mikado (The Town of Titipu), operetta: Act 2. The flowers that bloom in the spring, tra la
11. The Mikado (The Town of Titipu), operetta: Act 2. Alone and yet alive
12. The Mikado (The Town of Titipu), operetta: Act 2. Hearts do not break! They sting and ache
13. The Mikado (The Town of Titipu), operetta: Act 2. On a tree by a river a little tom tit
14. The Mikado (The Town of Titipu), operetta: Act 2. There is beauty in the bellow of the blast
15. The Mikado (The Town of Titipu), operetta: Act 2. Fanfare
16. The Mikado (The Town of Titipu), operetta: Act 2. For he's gone and married Yum-Yum
Disc: 11
1. Patience (Bunthorne's Bride), operetta: Overture
2. Patience (Bunthorne's Bride), operetta: Act 1. Twenty love-sick maidens we
3. Patience (Bunthorne's Bride), operetta: Act 1. Still brooding on their mad infatuation
4. Patience (Bunthorne's Bride), operetta: Act 1. I cannot tell what this love may be
5. Patience (Bunthorne's Bride), operetta: Act 1. Twenty love sick maidens we
6. Patience (Bunthorne's Bride), operetta: Act 1. The soldiers of our Queen
7. Patience (Bunthorne's Bride), operetta: Act 1. If you want a receipt for that popular mystery
8. Patience (Bunthorne's Bride), operetta: Act 1. In a doleful train two and two we walk all day
9. Patience (Bunthorne's Bride), operetta: Act 1. Twenty love-sick maidens we
10. Patience (Bunthorne's Bride), operetta: Act 1. When I first put this uniform on
11. Patience (Bunthorne's Bride), operetta: Act 1. Am I alone and unobserved?
12. Patience (Bunthorne's Bride), operetta: Act 1. If you're anxious for to shine
13. Patience (Bunthorne's Bride), operetta: Act 1. Long years ago - fourteen, maybe
14. Patience (Bunthorne's Bride), operetta: Act 1. Prithee, pretty maiden - prithee
15. Patience (Bunthorne's Bride), operetta: Act 1. Through to marry you
16. Patience (Bunthorne's Bride), operetta: Act 1. Let the merry cymbals sound
17. Patience (Bunthorne's Bride), operetta: Act 1. Now tell us, we pray you
18. Patience (Bunthorne's Bride), operetta: Act 1. Heart broken at my Patience's barbarity
19. Patience (Bunthorne's Bride), operetta: Act 1. Stay, we implore you, before our hopes are blighted
20. Patience (Bunthorne's Bride), operetta: Act 1. Your maidens hearts, ah, do steel
Disc: 12
1. Patience (Bunthorne's Bride), operetta: Act 1. Come, walk up, and purchase with avidity
2. Patience (Bunthorne's Bride), operetta: Act 1. We've been thrown over, we're aware
3. Patience (Bunthorne's Bride), operetta: Act 1. And are you going a ticket to buy?
4. Patience (Bunthorne's Bride), operetta: Act 1. Hold! Stay your hand!
5. Patience (Bunthorne's Bride), operetta: Act 1. True love must single-hearted be
6. Patience (Bunthorne's Bride), operetta: Act 1. I hear the soft note of the echoing voice
7. Patience (Bunthorne's Bride), operetta: Act 1. But who is this, whose god-like grace
8. Patience (Bunthorne's Bride), operetta: Act 1. List Reginald, whilst I confess a love
9. Patience (Bunthorne's Bride), operetta: Act 2. On such eyes as maidens cherish
10. Patience (Bunthorne's Bride), operetta: Act 2. Sad is a woman's lot who, year by year
11. Patience (Bunthorne's Bride), operetta: Act 2. Silvered is the raven hair
12. Patience (Bunthorne's Bride), operetta: Act 2. Turn, oh turn in this direction
13. Patience (Bunthorne's Bride), operetta: Act 2. A magnet hung in a hardware shop
14. Patience (Bunthorne's Bride), operetta: Act 2. Love is a plaintive song
15. Patience (Bunthorne's Bride), operetta: Act 2. So go to him and say to him
16. Patience (Bunthorne's Bride), operetta: Act 2. It's clear that the mediaeval art
17. Patience (Bunthorne's Bride), operetta: Act 2. If Saphir I choose to marry
18. Patience (Bunthorne's Bride), operetta: Act 2. When I go out of the door
19. Patience (Bunthorne's Bride), operetta: Act 2. I'm a Waterloo House young man
20. Patience (Bunthorne's Bride), operetta: Act 2. After much debate internal, I on Lady Jane decide
Disc: 13
1. The Pirates of Penzance, operetta: Overture
2. The Pirates of Penzance, operetta: Act 1. Pour, oh pour the pirate sherry
3. The Pirates of Penzance, operetta: Act 1. When Fred'ric was a little lad
4. The Pirates of Penzance, operetta: Act 1. Oh, better far to live and die
5. The Pirates of Penzance, operetta: Act 1. Oh, false one, you have deceived me
6. The Pirates of Penzance, operetta: Act 1. Climbing over rocky mountain
7. The Pirates of Penzance, operetta: Act 1. Stop! ladies, pray! A man!
8. The Pirates of Penzance, operetta: Act 1. Oh, is there not one maiden beast
9. The Pirates of Penzance, operetta: Act 1. Oh, sisters, deaf to pity's name, For shame!
10. The Pirates of Penzance, operetta: Act 1. Poor wand'ring one!
11. The Pirates of Penzance, operetta: Act 1. What ought we to do, Gentle sisters, say?
12. The Pirates of Penzance, operetta: Act 1. How beautifully blue the sky
13. The Pirates of Penzance, operetta: Act 1. Stay, we must not lose our senses
14. The Pirates of Penzance, operetta: Act 1. Hold, Monsters!
15. The Pirates of Penzance, operetta: Act 1. I am the very model of a modern Major-General
Disc: 14
1. The Pirates of Penzance, operetta: Act 1. Oh, men of dark and dismal fate
2. The Pirates of Penzance, operetta: Act 1. Hail Poetry, thou heav'n born maid!
3. The Pirates of Penzance, operetta: Act 1. You may go, for you're at liberty
4. The Pirates of Penzance, operetta: Act 1. Pray observe the magnanimity
5. The Pirates of Penzance, operetta: Act 2. Oh, dry the glist'ning tear
6. The Pirates of Penzance, operetta: Act 2. Then Frederic
7. The Pirates of Penzance, operetta: Act 2. When the foeman bares his steel
8. The Pirates of Penzance, operetta: Act 2. Now for the pirates lair!
9. The Pirates of Penzance, operetta: Act 2. When you had left our pirate fold
10. The Pirates of Penzance, operetta: Act 2. Away, away, my heart's on fire
11. The Pirates of Penzance, operetta: Act 2. All is prepared
12. The Pirates of Penzance, operetta: Act 2. Stay, Fred'ric stay!
13. The Pirates of Penzance, operetta: Act 2. Ah, leave me not to pine alone and desolate
14. The Pirates of Penzance, operetta: Act 2. Oh, here is love and here is truth
15. The Pirates of Penzance, operetta: Act 2. No, I'll be brave
16. The Pirates of Penzance, operetta: Act 2. Sergeant approach
17. The Pirates of Penzance, operetta: Act 2. When a felon's not engaged in his employment
18. The Pirates of Penzance, operetta: Act 2. A rollicking band of pirates we
19. The Pirates of Penzance, operetta: Act 2. With cat-like tread
20. The Pirates of Penzance, operetta: Act 2. Hush! Hush! Not a word
21. The Pirates of Penzance, operetta: Act 2. Sighing softly to the river
22. The Pirates of Penzance, operetta: Act 2. Now what is this, and what is that
23. The Pirates of Penzance, operetta: Act 2. We triumph now
24. The Pirates of Penzance, operetta: Act 2. Away with them, and place them at the bar
25. The Pirates of Penzance, operetta: Act 2. Poor wand'ring ones, though ye have surely strayed
Disc: 15
1. Princess Ida (Castle Adamant), operetta: Overture
2. Princess Ida (Castle Adamant), operetta: Act 1. Search throughout the panorama
3. Princess Ida (Castle Adamant), operetta: Act 1. Now harken to my strict command
4. Princess Ida (Castle Adamant), operetta: Act 1. Today we meet... Ida was a twelve-month old
5. Princess Ida (Castle Adamant), operetta: Act 1. From the distant panorama... we are warriors three
6. Princess Ida (Castle Adamant), operetta: Act 1. If you give me your attention
7. Princess Ida (Castle Adamant), operetta: Act 1. Finale. P'raps if you address the lady most politely
8. Princess Ida (Castle Adamant), operetta: Act 2. Towards the empyrean heights
9. Princess Ida (Castle Adamant), operetta: Act 2. Mighty maiden with a mission
10. Princess Ida (Castle Adamant), operetta: Act 2. Minerva... Oh, goddess wise
11. Princess Ida (Castle Adamant), operetta: Act 2. Gently, gently, evidently
12. Princess Ida (Castle Adamant), operetta: Act 2. I am a maiden, cold and stately
13. Princess Ida (Castle Adamant), operetta: Act 2. The world is but a broken toy
14. Princess Ida (Castle Adamant), operetta: Act 2. A lady fair, of lineage high
15. Princess Ida (Castle Adamant), operetta: Act 2. The woman of the wisest wit
16. Princess Ida (Castle Adamant), operetta: Act 2. Now wouldn't you like to rule the roost
17. Princess Ida (Castle Adamant), operetta: Act 2. Merrily ring the luncheon bell
18. Princess Ida (Castle Adamant), operetta: Act 2. Would you know the kind of maid
19. Princess Ida (Castle Adamant), operetta: Act 2. Finale. Oh joy! Our chief is sav'd
20. Princess Ida (Castle Adamant), operetta: Act 2. We may remark, tho' nothing can dismay us
Disc: 16
1. Princess Ida (Castle Adamant), operetta: Act 3. Death to the invader
2. Princess Ida (Castle Adamant), operetta: Act 3. I built upon a rock
3. Princess Ida (Castle Adamant), operetta: Act 3. Whene'er I spoke sarcastic joke
4. Princess Ida (Castle Adamant), operetta: Act 3. When anger spreads his wing
5. Princess Ida (Castle Adamant), operetta: Act 3. This helmet I suppose
6. Princess Ida (Castle Adamant), operetta: Act 3. This is our duty plain
7. Princess Ida (Castle Adamant), operetta: Act 3. Finale. With joy abiding
8. Pineapple Poll, ballet (compiled & arranged by C. Mackerras): Scene 1. Opening Dance
9. Pineapple Poll, ballet (compiled & arranged by C. Mackerras): Scene 1. Poll's Solo and Pas de deux
10. Pineapple Poll, ballet (compiled & arranged by C. Mackerras): Scene 1. Belaye's Solo
11. Pineapple Poll, ballet (compiled & arranged by C. Mackerras): Scene 1. Pas de trois
12. Pineapple Poll, ballet (compiled & arranged by C. Mackerras): Scene 1. Finale
13. Pineapple Poll, ballet (compiled & arranged by C. Mackerras): Scene 2. Poll's Solo, Jasper's Solo
14. Pineapple Poll, ballet (compiled & arranged by C. Mackerras): Scene 3. Belaye's Solo and Sailors' Drill
15. Pineapple Poll, ballet (compiled & arranged by C. Mackerras): Scene 3. Poll's Solo
16. Pineapple Poll, ballet (compiled & arranged by C. Mackerras): Scene 3. Entry of Belaye with Blanche as Bride
17. Pineapple Poll, ballet (compiled & arranged by C. Mackerras): Scene 3. Reconciliation
18. Pineapple Poll, ballet (compiled & arranged by C. Mackerras): Scene 3. Grand Finale
Disc: 17
1. Ruddigore (The Witch's Curse), operetta: Overture
2. Ruddigore (The Witch's Curse), operetta: Act 1. Fair is Rose as bright as May day
3. Ruddigore (The Witch's Curse), operetta: Act 1. Sir Rupert Murgatroyd, his leisure and his riches
4. Ruddigore (The Witch's Curse), operetta: Act 1. If somebody there chanced to be
5. Ruddigore (The Witch's Curse), operetta: Act 1. I know a youth who loves a little maid
6. Ruddigore (The Witch's Curse), operetta: Act 1. From the briny sea... I shipp'd, d'ye see
7. Ruddigore (The Witch's Curse), operetta: Act 1. Hornpipe
8. Ruddigore (The Witch's Curse), operetta: Act 1. My boy, you may take it from me
9. Ruddigore (The Witch's Curse), operetta: Act 1. The battle's roar is over
10. Ruddigore (The Witch's Curse), operetta: Act 1. In sailing o'er life's ocean wide
11. Ruddigore (The Witch's Curse), operetta: Act 1. Cheerily carols the lark... To a garden full of posies
12. Ruddigore (The Witch's Curse), operetta: Act 1. Welcome, gentry
13. Ruddigore (The Witch's Curse), operetta: Act 1. Oh why am I moody and sad?
14. Ruddigore (The Witch's Curse), operetta: Act 1. You understand? I think I do
15. Ruddigore (The Witch's Curse), operetta: Act 1. Finale. Hail the bride of seventeen summers
16. Ruddigore (The Witch's Curse), operetta: Act 1. Finale. Hold, bride and bridegroom
Disc: 18
1. Ruddigore (The Witch's Curse), operetta: Overture (original version)
2. Ruddigore (The Witch's Curse), operetta: Act 2. I once was as meek as a newborn lamb
3. Ruddigore (The Witch's Curse), operetta: Act 2. Happily coupled are we
4. Ruddigore (The Witch's Curse), operetta: Act 2. In bygone days I had thy love
5. Ruddigore (The Witch's Curse), operetta: Act 2. Painted emblems of a race
6. Ruddigore (The Witch's Curse), operetta: Act 2. When the night wind howls
7. Ruddigore (The Witch's Curse), operetta: Act 2. He yields! He yields!
8. Ruddigore (The Witch's Curse), operetta: Act 2. I once was a very abandon'd person
9. Ruddigore (The Witch's Curse), operetta: Act 2. My eyes are fully open to my awful situation
10. Ruddigore (The Witch's Curse), operetta: Act 2. There grew a little flower
11. Ruddigore (The Witch's Curse), operetta: Act 2. Finale. Oh, happy the lily when kiss'd by the bee
12. Cox and Box (The Long-Lost Brothers), operetta: Overture
13. Cox and Box (The Long-Lost Brothers), operetta: We sounded the trumpet
14. Cox and Box (The Long-Lost Brothers), operetta: Stay, Bouncer, stay!
15. Cox and Box (The Long-Lost Brothers), operetta: Hush'd is the bacon on the grid
16. Cox and Box (The Long-Lost Brothers), operetta: My master is punctual always in business
17. Cox and Box (The Long-Lost Brothers), operetta: Who are you, sir?
18. Cox and Box (The Long-Lost Brothers), operetta: The buttercup dwells on the lowly mead
19. Cox and Box (The Long-Lost Brothers), operetta: Finale. Not long ago
Disc: 19
1. The Sorcerer, operetta: Overture
2. The Sorcerer, operetta: Act 1. Ring forth, ye bells
3. The Sorcerer, operetta: Act 1. Constance, my daughter
4. The Sorcerer, operetta: Act 1. When he is here, I sigh with pleasure
5. The Sorcerer, operetta: Act 1. The air is charged with amatory numbers
6. The Sorcerer, operetta: Act 1. Time was, when love and I were well acquainted
7. The Sorcerer, operetta: Act 1. Sir Marmaduke... Minuet
8. The Sorcerer, operetta: Act 1. With heart and with voice
9. The Sorcerer, operetta: Act 1. My kindly friends... Oh, happy young heart
10. The Sorcerer, operetta: Act 1. My child, I join in these congratulations
11. The Sorcerer, operetta: Act 1. With heart and with voice
12. The Sorcerer, operetta: Act 1. Welcome joy! Adieu to sadness!
13. The Sorcerer, operetta: Act 1. All is prepar'd for sealing and for signing
14. The Sorcerer, operetta: Act 1. Love feeds on many kinds of food
15. The Sorcerer, operetta: Act 1. My name is John Wellington Wells
16. The Sorcerer, operetta: Act 1. Sprites of earth and air
17. The Sorcerer, operetta: Finale. Now to the banquet we press
Disc: 20
1. The Sorcerer, operetta: Act 2. 'Tis twelve, I think
2. The Sorcerer, operetta: Act 2. Dear friends, take pity on my lot
3. The Sorcerer, operetta: Act 2. Thou hast the pow'r thy vaunted love to sanctify... It is not love
4. The Sorcerer, operetta: Act 2. I rejoice that it's decided
5. The Sorcerer, operetta: Act 2. Oh, I have wrought much evil with my spells
6. The Sorcerer, operetta: Act 2. Alexis! Doubt me not!... The fearful deed is done
7. The Sorcerer, operetta: Act 2. Oh, my voice is sad and low
8. The Sorcerer, operetta: Act 2. Oh, joyous boon!
9. The Sorcerer, operetta: Act 2. Prepare for sad suprises
10. The Sorcerer, operetta: Finale. Or he or I must die
11. The Zoo, operetta: Introduction
12. The Zoo, operetta: The British public here - you see
13. The Zoo, operetta: I loved her fondly
14. The Zoo, operetta: And now let's go back to where we were... Ah maiden fair
15. The Zoo, operetta: Where is he?
16. The Zoo, operetta: Once more the face I loved so well
17. The Zoo, operetta: Help! Ah help!
18. The Zoo, operetta: Ho guards! Minions!
19. The Zoo, operetta: Ladies and gentlemen!
20. The Zoo, operetta: We gather from what you have said
21. The Zoo, operetta: Where is my daughter?
22. The Zoo, operetta: I'm a simple little child
23. The Zoo, operetta: My father!
24. The Zoo, operetta: Finale. What do I see in this disguise?
Disc: 21
1. Utopia Limited (The Flowers of Progress), operetta: Imperial March
2. Utopia Limited (The Flowers of Progress), operetta: Act 1. Introduction
3. Utopia Limited (The Flowers of Progress), operetta: Act 1. In lazy languor
4. Utopia Limited (The Flowers of Progress), operetta: Act 1. O make way for the wise men!
5. Utopia Limited (The Flowers of Progress), operetta: Act 1. In every mental lore
6. Utopia Limited (The Flowers of Progress), operetta: Act 1. Let all your doubts take wing
7. Utopia Limited (The Flowers of Progress), operetta: Act 1. Quaff the nectar
8. Utopia Limited (The Flowers of Progress), operetta: Act 1. A king of autocratic power we
9. Utopia Limited (The Flowers of Progress), operetta: Act 1. Altho' of native maids the cream
10. Utopia Limited (The Flowers of Progress), operetta: Act 1. Bold-fac'd ranger
11. Utopia Limited (The Flowers of Progress), operetta: Act 1. First you're born
12. Utopia Limited (The Flowers of Progress), operetta: Act 1. Subjected to your heavenly gaze
13. Utopia Limited (The Flowers of Progress), operetta: Act 1. O maiden rich in Girton lore
14. Utopia Limited (The Flowers of Progress), operetta: Act 1. Ah! gallant soldier, brave and true
15. Utopia Limited (The Flowers of Progress), operetta: Act 1. It's understood, I think
16. Utopia Limited (The Flowers of Progress), operetta: Act 1. O admirable art!
17. Utopia Limited (The Flowers of Progress), operetta: Finale. Altho' your royal summons to appear
18. Utopia Limited (The Flowers of Progress), operetta: Finale. A Company Promoter this, with special education
Disc: 22
1. Utopia Limited (The Flowers of Progress), operetta: Act 2. Oh, Zara... A tenor, all singers above
2. Utopia Limited (The Flowers of Progress), operetta: Act 2. Words of love too loudly spoken
3. Utopia Limited (The Flowers of Progress), operetta: Act 2. Society has quite forsaken all
4. Utopia Limited (The Flowers of Progress), operetta: Act 2. Entrance of the Court
5. Utopia Limited (The Flowers of Progress), operetta: Act 2. Drawing-room music
6. Utopia Limited (The Flowers of Progress), operetta: Act 2. This ceremonial our wish displays... Eagle high on cloudland soaring
7. Utopia Limited (The Flowers of Progress), operetta: Act 2. With fury deep we burn
8. Utopia Limited (The Flowers of Progress), operetta: Act 2. If you think that when banded in unity
9. Utopia Limited (The Flowers of Progress), operetta: Act 2. With wily brain upon the spot
10. Utopia Limited (The Flowers of Progress), operetta: Act 2. A wonderful joy our eyes to bless
11. Utopia Limited (The Flowers of Progress), operetta: Act 2. Then I may sing and play?
12. Utopia Limited (The Flowers of Progress), operetta: Act 2. Oh, would some demon power...When but a maid of fifteen year
13. Utopia Limited (The Flowers of Progress), operetta: Act 2. Ah, Lady Sophy
14. Utopia Limited (The Flowers of Progress), operetta: Act 2. O rapture unrestrained
15. Utopia Limited (The Flowers of Progress), operetta: Act 2. Tarantella... Upon our sea-girt land
16. Utopia Limited (The Flowers of Progress), operetta: Finale. There's a little group of isles beyond the wave
17. Macbeth, incidental music: Overture
18. Victoria and Merrie England, suite from the ballet
19. Marmion, overture for orchestra
Disc: 23
1. The Yeomen of the Guard (The Merryman and his Maid), operetta: Overture
2. The Yeomen of the Guard (The Merryman and his Maid), operetta: Act 1. When maiden loves, she sits and sighs
3. The Yeomen of the Guard (The Merryman and his Maid), operetta: Act 1. Tower warders, under orders
4. The Yeomen of the Guard (The Merryman and his Maid), operetta: Act 1. When our gallant Norman foes
5. The Yeomen of the Guard (The Merryman and his Maid), operetta: Act 1. Alas! I waver to and fro
6. The Yeomen of the Guard (The Merryman and his Maid), operetta: Act 1. Is life a boon?
7. The Yeomen of the Guard (The Merryman and his Maid), operetta: Act 1. Here's a man of jollity
8. The Yeomen of the Guard (The Merryman and his Maid), operetta: Act 1. I have a song to sing, O!
9. The Yeomen of the Guard (The Merryman and his Maid), operetta: Act 1. How say you, maiden
10. The Yeomen of the Guard (The Merryman and his Maid), operetta: Act 1. I've jibe and joke and quip and crank
11. The Yeomen of the Guard (The Merryman and his Maid), operetta: Act 1. 'Tis done! I am a bride
12. The Yeomen of the Guard (The Merryman and his Maid), operetta: Act 1. Were I thy bride
13. The Yeomen of the Guard (The Merryman and his Maid), operetta: Act 1. Oh, Sergeant Meryll, is it true
Disc: 24
1. The Yeomen of the Guard (The Merryman and his Maid), operetta: Act 2. Night has spread her pall once more
2. The Yeomen of the Guard (The Merryman and his Maid), operetta: Act 2. Oh! a private buffoon is a lighthearted loon
3. The Yeomen of the Guard (The Merryman and his Maid), operetta: Act 2. Hereupon we're both agreed
4. The Yeomen of the Guard (The Merryman and his Maid), operetta: Act 2. Free from his fetters grim
5. The Yeomen of the Guard (The Merryman and his Maid), operetta: Act 2. Strange adventure
6. The Yeomen of the Guard (The Merryman and his Maid), operetta: Act 2. Hark! what was that, sir?
7. The Yeomen of the Guard (The Merryman and his Maid), operetta: Act 2. A man who would woo a fair maid
8. The Yeomen of the Guard (The Merryman and his Maid), operetta: Act 2. When a wooer goes a-wooing
9. The Yeomen of the Guard (The Merryman and his Maid), operetta: Act 2. Rapture, rapture
10. The Yeomen of the Guard (The Merryman and his Maid), operetta: Act 2. Comes the pretty young bride
11. Trial by Jury, operetta: Hark the hour of ten is sounding
12. Trial by Jury, operetta: When first my old, old love I knew
13. Trial by Jury, operetta: When I, good friends, was called to the bar
14. Trial by Jury, operetta: Where is the plaintiff
15. Trial by Jury, operetta: May it please you, my Lud!
16. Trial by Jury, operetta: Oh, gentlemen, listen, I pray
17. Trial by Jury, operetta: A nice dilemna we have here
18. Trial by Jury, operetta: I love him, I love him
 
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9 of 9 found the following review helpful:

5The Crowning Achievement of the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company preserved in all but perfection  Jan 05, 2008
This review details the performances more than the content of the operas. Another reviewer speaks more about the different operas themselves, and I agree with what he says for the most part, particularly concerning Iolanthe, Ruddigore, and Yeomen of the Guard. The Sorcerer is also very rewarding if given time. The duet "Welcome joy, adieu to sadness" and the quintet "I rejoice that it's decided" are singularly enjoyable.

Seeing that this is a 24CD Boxed Set, there wasn't really any way for me to say everything that needed saying in any short space. So, I've divided the review into a number of sections. They are as follows:

1. The top few recordings that generally win over competition
2. The particular weaknesses of the recordings
3. The particular strengths of the recordings
4. Fillers
5. Overall impression

1. The 1959 HMS Pinafore is probably the only Gilbert and Sullivan recording ever that is a hands-down winner over every other recording of the same work. The cast is just about perfect and the sound is better than any other recording I've heard from 1959. I would say Iolanthe should receive similar praise, though not everyone would agree.

Of all of the others, there are a few that manage to distinguish themselves above most all other issues. Cox and Box, Trial by Jury, Pirates of Penzance, Patience, Iolanthe, and The Gondoliers all manage to rise above competition and end up near the top. In every case, I think it is safe to say that the latter recordings will always come out as one of the top two. Part of this is because of the inclusion of dialogue in the last five of the recordings I mentioned. Some people don't want it, but dialogue is just as much a part of the opera as the music, and there are very few writers who could pen words with the same repetition value as W. S. Gilbert. He was a genius in his field.


2. Particular Weaknesses of the D'Oyly Carte recordings of the operas (listed chronologically):

- Cox and Box: The finale (a reprise) and one other number is omitted. A bit of the dialogue is cut down, but this ends up making the operetta more witty--a refined gem in a way.

- Trial by Jury: None

- The Zoo: None as far as performance goes. Sound isn't perfect, but it's the best we're probably going to get.

- The Sorcerer: No dialogue. David Palmer isn't the strongest tenor, though that is a matter of opinion. The male chorus sounds funny in one or two songs in Act 1, as though it were a male chorus with a tenor solo (who pronounces "Alexis" in a strange fashion), but is otherwise excellent.

- HMS Pinafore: None

- The Pirates of Penzance: None

- Patience: None

- Iolanthe: None

- Princess Ida: No dialogue. Sargent takes slow tempi in "Search throughout the panorama" and "The woman of the wisest wit," particularly the latter. Elizabeth Harwood doesn't always live up to the part she is given, but is still okay.

- The Mikado: No dialogue and a weak Nanki-Poo--though he does warm up after a while. Also Katisha seems rather uncomfortable with any note above E-flat, but is still good enough. The way her voice comes across has something to do with the sound, which is okay, but not as fine as the 1960's recordings. It lets the singers down here and there (the choral passage "A Japanese equivalent of hear, hear, hear" comes to mind).

- Ruddigore: No dialogue. This is the edited D'Oyly Carte score rather than the original, but that only means the omission of the original finale and the second verse of "Happily coupled are we" (there's a small choral number that the bridesmaids sing a capella that is omitted too).

- The Yeomen of the Guard: No dialogue. A somewhat controversial Elsie (Harwood again) who I think is fine enough, though one wishes that Valerie Masterson had recorded the role instead...

- The Gondoliers: A slightly squeaky Casilda (she doesn't do too well on notes above F-Sharp, but the Casilda on the later, digital D'Oyly Carte recording doesn't do much better). That said, Jennifer Toye's solo singing as Casilda is better than some of her singing during ensembles, and her duets with Jeffery Skitch (who plays Luiz) come off well.

- Utopia Limited: No dialogue. Well, that isn't entirely true. No dialogue is included on the first disk, but in Act 2, bits and pieces are heard here and there, particularly with Kenneth Sandford. Happily, all of the dialogue is included preceding the finale, summing up the plot quite nicely.

Also, the recording quality doesn't seem quite right when compared to other entries in the series. I haven't quite placed my finger on it yet. Perhaps it is not atmospheric enough.

- The Grand Duke: No dialogue; sound is similar to Utopia Limited.


3. Particular Strengths of the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company recordings:

- Cox and Box: Donald Adams, Alan Styler, Joseph Riordan; you'll note this is the entire cast. All three know their parts exceedingly well, making this recording a joy to listen to.

- Trial by Jury: Thomas Round. He is a very convincing Defendant. Everyone else in the cast is similarly strong.

- The Zoo: Meston Reid is a pretty good tenor, and manages the part of Aesculapius Carboy well.

- The Sorcerer: Valerie Masterson. Aside from John Reed and Donald Adams, Masterson seems to have the best grip on her role. She sings with great charm; her waltz song in Act 1 comes of noticeably better than in the 1953 recording with Muriel Harding taking the role of Aline.

A word on John Reed: There is an almost laughable difference on how much more life John Reed has managed to inject into John Wellington Wells as opposed to Peter Pratt in the former 1953 recording. Pratt sounds unduly strained in his opening song and gives very little life to the incantation. Reed, on the other hand, must be heard to be believed. His scene with Lady Sangazure (Christine Palmer) is also very enjoyable.

- HMS Pinafore: All of the dialogue is delivered excellently, and the humor and excitement that should be present in any performance of Gilbert and Sullivan is more than present in this recording. As I said, this is (in essence) the only unassailable Gilbert and Sullivan recording ever.

- The Pirates of Penzance: Valerie Masterson (need I say more?)

- Patience: John Reed is particularly excellent as Bunthorne. His singing and dialogue come off in a way that leaves the listener with the impression that it could not be done any other way. That is the mark of a great performance.

- Iolanthe: Mary Sansom is one of my favorite G&S Sopranos. I know many don't share my opinion, but if that were not so, it would not be an opinion, would it? This is her best performance. She IS Phyllis.

Also what I said about Reed's Bunthorne applies to most of the cast in Iolanthe. They convince you that this is Iolanthe as it should be performed. This particularly true of Adams and Round, whose witty repartee in Act 2 is a joy to behold.

- Princess Ida: This opera is given arguably the best recording quality of the entire series. Hildebrand's song comes across excellently, with the chorus sounding almost magical at times (if you may forgive me for using such a cliched word). Philip Potter makes an excellent Hilarion, putting as much charm into his role as Derek Oldham did (if not more).

- The Mikado: Valerie Masterson. In the end, she is probably what makes this Mikado competitive, since everything else is pretty good, despite reservations.

- Ruddigore: Donald Adams, who gives what is easily the best "When the night wind howls" ever. Ruddigore contains some of the most magical moments in the entire cannon of operas. This performance accentuates that.

- The Yeomen of the Guard: In my estimation (such as it is) Phillip Potter saves this recording from any overly serious criticism. He was one of the best Tenors the company ever had and shows it here. Gillian Knight and Donald Adams give a fabulous account of the little "Rapture, rapture" duet, particularly the delightful way Adams pronounces "ghastly."

- The Gondoliers: John Reed makes a perfect Duke of Plaza Toro. This recording was made during the peak of the company's ability and his as well.

- Utopia Limited: Pamela Field is almost as good a soprano as Valerie Masterson (a high recommendation). She is a excellent Zara for sure.

- The Grand Duke: Nothing comes to mind...this isn't a bad recording, but I can't think off the bat of anything that really distinguishes it.


4. Although there are not as many fillers as in Sargent's set on EMI, the extras included here are perhaps better. Overture di Ballo is very convincing; Macbeth Overture is also interesting. But the best bonus in the set is Pineapple Pole, a 40-minute ballet arranged from the operas by Charles Mackerras, who conducts it here in a fabulous 1983 recording. It is pure delight from beginning to end. I'd say more, but it is more enjoyable being introduced to it fresh.


5. Overall impression: This is the only complete Gilbert & Sullivan issue in existence; that alone gives it an extra recommendation, but still this set manages to incorporate most all of the good features of the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company and is sure to please any Gilbert and Sullivan fan who wants the whole caboodle. I in no way regret buying this issue.

41 of 42 found the following review helpful:

5Don't underestimate those "unknown" Operettas!!  Jul 07, 2005
This is, as far as I know - the only way of buying the "official" recordings of "The Grand Duke" and "Utopia" - which seem to be otherwise out of print!! Several of the others are not that easy to get either.

In any case - most people getting this set will already have the Mikado, and very probably Pirates and Pinafore for that matter, so you're really getting it for the others.

So just for the record - someone has to say this!

The Mikado is (of course) a wonderful piece, but it enjoys its long running status as the most successful of all the G&S operettas very largely for "extra-musical" reasons. It is visually so wonderful, with all those great authentic costumes, and the whole idea of satirising English institutions by pretending they are Japanese is of course brilliantly funny.

Again, Pirates and Pinafore enjoy a lot of their acclaim simply because we have heard them so often. And at least part of the initial success of these (admittedly very funny and entertaining) pieces was the vogue for "nautical drama" on the popular Victorian stage.

Iolanthe, Ruddigore, and Yoemen are all MUCH stronger musically than any of what another reviewer here keeps calling the "trilogy". Patience, Princess Ida, and the Gondoliers all excel either "nautical" operetta, at least musically, although not, perhaps, the Mikado. And I have had a lot of fun listening to my recording of the Sorcerer - although I think most at least of the other G&S operettas are even more interesting.

As for "Trial by Jury" it is really another thing altogether - but in its kind the most perfect thing either Gilbert or Sullivan had anything to do with!

This leaves Utopia and the Grand Duke.

Both of these were produced after the long running friendship between G&S had soured, and they have been sadly neglected ever since. Utopia is none the less both musically beautiful and very funny, and well worth taking an effort to come to grips with. The main point of the satire (which many commentators and reviewers seem to miss) is the way that the English language and British (especially English) institutions were being adopted, often rather uncritically, by countries around the world (most, but not all, of them members of the British Empire, of course). India is perhaps the country Gilbert had most in mind, but you could set it in any of a dozen other countries. The residual problems this has left in the post-colonial world ensure that this work is still far from dated. In some ways this operetta is about globalisation! What could possibly be LESS dated than that!

The Grand Duke, on the other hand, is a bit of an odd man out - I suppose you still have to say it is the weakest of all the G&S efforts. It's the ONLY one that didn't score a very respectable run on its first outing. Surprisingly, however, if an attempt is made to duplicate the musical and (especially) dialogue cuts that G&S would have done themselves if they had not by this time been at each other's throats all the time, a very entertaining piece can be made of it. I was very agreeably surprised by the Ohio Light Opera recording, which does just that - and I am coming round to the idea that the only thing really wrong with the Duke is that it is too long.

ANYWAY:

For all people (especially callow youth) who remain convinced that G&S only wrote three operettas worth listening to - all I can say is, buy this set, and give the lesser known ones a chance. Make sure you have a libretto in your hands as you listen, of course. It may even just need a single hearing in some cases, but otherwise, be patient. In the meantime, you really cannot have any conception of what you are missing.

35 of 37 found the following review helpful:

5A few details  Mar 27, 2004
This 24-CD album consists of 12 plastic cases, each with a thin booklet giving background and plot summaries for the works on its 2 enclosed CD's. Most of the album consists of 15 operettas, 2 of which (Cox and Box, The Zoo) have texts not by Gilbert and 7 of which (The Sorcerer, Princess Ida, The Mikado, Ruddigore, Yeomen of the Guard, Utopia Limited, The Grand Duke) omit most of the spoken dialogue. Before listening to any of these operettas that you don't know well, you'll want to obtain a copy of its text so you can read along and not miss any of the words or the wit.

54 of 55 found the following review helpful:

4Wonderful set, if a little inconsistent at times.  Jul 07, 2003
If you thought that the Sargent set of G&S opera recordings was gargantum enough, then this D'Oyly Carte cycle is even more gargantum. Although it is more expensive (because of the four extra operas that the Sargent cycle did not include), this complete 24-CD set is like a joy to behold. There is a debate as to whether this is better than the Sargent cycle, but I like to think that this is a delight from first disc to last, because of the idiomatic sense of polish that these recordings seem to have, and are given a life that makes them able to breathe well. This is all thanks to Isidore Godfrey and Royston Nash's conducting. I know that the performances may not be entirely consistent (this is evident when you compare the performance and recording quality of Mikado and Pirates with those of Gondoliers and Pinafore), but this is only a matter of personal preference. The 1960s performances were given more sumptuous and well-detailed recordings than the 1970s recordings, made when the performing style was not so fresh. But anyway, I still think that this is definitely a good buy for anyone who loves G&S. Even with the consistency of Sargent's cheaper EMI set, I would still say: do go ahead to invest in the set because of the liveliness and style in this complete G&S cycle that Sargent never (hardly ever) tackles. The only thing is: I would also like to suggest complementing it with the 1957 Decca D'Oyly Carte recordings of Mikado and Pirates, recently released by the Sounds on CD label, so that these recordings can do justice to the enormous spirit of these operas.

 
 
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