The Authentic Gilbert & Sullivan Songbook Paperback - 1977

From the publisher

The songs of Gilbert & Sullivan, as with many near-legendary works adopted by an enthusiastic, uncritical public, have not always survived in the most reliable form. A word gets lost or blurred, a strophe is dropped, and the song evolves along uncontrollable lines. Fortunately many of the early vocal scores authorized by Sir Arthur Sullivan still exist -- and are reprinted here, in the most complete and authentic anthology of Gilbert & Sullivan currently available.
Ninety-two songs from all fourteen operettas are reproduced in the form Sullivan approved. Each number in this collection -- solo, chorus, patter song, ballad, etc. -- is presented uncut, unedited, in the original key, in Sullivan's original piano arrangements. The memorable ditties from the pair's 25-year collaboration (1871-96) appear, along with many not so well known, including a piece from their first joint effort, Thespis (1871), the entire score of which has been lost except for two numbers.
Contents include:
Thespis Little Maid of Arcadee
Trial by Jury O gentlemen, listen I pray
The Sorcerer Welcome joy! Adieu to sadness!
HMS Pinafore When I was a lad; He is an Englishman!
The Pirates of Penzance Poor wand'ring one; With cat-like tread
Patience Prithee, pretty maidens; Sad is that woman's lot
Iolanthe Oh foolish fay; What I went to the Bar
Princess Ida Expressive glances
The Mikado A wand'ring minstrel I; Three little maids
Ruddigore I once was a very abandoned person
The Yeomen of the Guard Oh! A private buffoon
The Gondoliers I stole the Prince
Utopia, Limited Society has quite forsaken all her wicked courses
The Grand Duke So ends my dream
Malcolm Binney and Peter Lavender collected these rare, complete vocal scores suitable for amateur and professional performance or reading; James Spero has added complete title and premiere information and a plot synopsis for each operetta. Gilbert & Sullivan lovers and all who delight in an irresistible lyric will find the authentic best in English light opera between these sturdy covers.

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