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 thisPiratesis 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 Telarcleads  a spunky performance.--Dan Davis