William Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan first linked in 1871 and over the course of the next twenty five years produced fourteen comic operas, from Thespis in 1871 through to The Grand Duke in 1896. Thespis, also known as The Gods Grown Old ran for just 64 performances and much of the music from this first production has been lost over the years. It was to be another four years before Gilbert & Sullivan collaborated a second time, encouraged by theatre manager Richard D’Oyly Carte, and came up with Trial By Jury. This time the show was a resounding success, ensuring further works and a growing reputation for both men in their respective fields; William Gilbert as the writer of witty and at times scandalous lyrics, coupled with Arthur Sullivan’s memorable melodies. This album, recorded by the Court Symphony Orchestra at either the Savoy Theatre or Opera Comique Theatre, features highlights from the various operas. More to the point, they were originally recorded at the time the various shows were being staged, when recording was still in its infancy. The result is probably the finest record of Gilbert & Sullivan’s operas ever put onto disc. All selections performed by the Court Symphony Orchestra

1. The Gondoliers - Selection Part 1
2. The Gondoliers - Selection Part 2
3. The Yeoman Of The Guard - Selection Part 1
4. The Yeoman Of The Guard - Selection Part 2
5. HMS Pinafore - Selection Part 1
6. HMS Pinafore - Selection Part 2
7. Princess Ida - Selection Part 1
8. Princess Ida - Selection Part 2
9. Iolanthe - Selection Part 1
10. Iolanthe - Selection Part 2
11. The Pirates of Penzance - Selection Part 1
12. The Pirates of Penzance - Selection Part 2
13. The Mikado - Selection Part 1
14. The Mikado - Selection Part 2
15. Patience - Selection Part 1
16. Patience - Selection Part 2