This is one of the Decca stereo recordings of the Gilbert and Sullivan operettas that does not include dialog. Thanks to the popularity of the work, it is familiar enough that missing the few plot points that occur in dialog doesn't hurt it. However, this is a somewhat disappointing performance and recording by the D'Oyly Carte Opera Company compared to the others in this series of reissues. Longtime principal comedian John Reed is Ko-Ko. As usual, his patter isn't as fast as other's, but he can be amusing in his perplexity. There are moments, such as when she's screeching in the finale of Act I, that make you wish Lyndsie Holland as Katisha were a more melodious contralto. The madrigal in Act II is quite nicely done, and John Ayldon gives the Mikado a raucous laugh in "A More Humane Mikado." Valerie Masterson and Colin Wright are well-matched as Yum-Yum and Nanki-Poo, singing brightly and skillfully. The Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, conducted by Royston Nash, has its moments where it is noticeably not together and overall seems a little sloppy in its performance standards. And for some reason, the tympani are missing some resonance. All in all, this is still a decent performance and is, after all, the sentimental favorite opera company for Gilbert and Sullivan. ~ Patsy Morita, AMG

Estimated despatch 5-10 days after ordering.