Gilbert & Sullivan: The Pirates of Penzance

Owen Branigan almost steals the show with his portrayal of the flustered police sergeant (his rendition of his lot not being an 'appy one is worth the price of admission), but then again this Pirates is chock-full of terrific idiomatic singing. Donald Adams, for example, runs Branigan a close second as the pirate king, and the pair of lovers are endearing as well. Veteran Savoyard John Reed is a delicious Major General and Isidore Godfrey, the D'Oyly Carte's chief conductor for umpteen years, leads with élan. The recording dates from 1968, but you'd never know it; sonics are fresh as if they were recorded yesterday. Gilbert & Sullivan fans must have this version, which beats earlier D'Oyly Carte productions. If you must have all-digital though, Mackerras on Telarc leads a spunky performance. --Dan Davis