This is a selection of so-called "forgotten" music by Michael Balfe and Arthur Sullivan, but mostly Sullivan. The singers and orchestra are capable amateurs. It would be impolite to critique individual singers, but let us say that I generally enjoyed the performances whilst being conscious that I had heard most of these numbers done better by others.

The selections are listed below. The label "forgotten" is inevitably open to criticism, because it depends on who has done the forgetting. But it is hard to see the logic of putting anything from the Savoy Operas in that category, excepting perhaps a number like "Henceforth all the crimes" that was cut shortly after the opening night. "Time was when love and I" and "A tenor, all singers above" are likely to be well known to most of the likely buyers of this CD. Is "Rapture! Rapture!" on the list because D'Oyly Carte used to cut it in the 1950s?

My own favorites are the items that truly are obscure, including both Balfe selections, the two Sapphire Necklace songs (newly orchestrated for this recording), and especially the Rudall Carte flute arrangement from Pirates. Whether that's enough to justify purchasing the CD is a matter of taste. Twenty years ago, one would have rejoiced at the discovery of this Sullivan treasure trove. Today, most of these songs are already well represented in the catalogue, although perhaps my CD collection is atypical in that regard.

Another review of the CD is available here.

For ordering instructions, visit here.