Gilbert & Sullivan: The Mikado
Regarded by G & S fans as the best of the all the  operettas,The Mikadois given a sizzling performance by Sir Charles  Mackerras, who--by leaving off the overture (which isn't by Sullivan anyway)-- manages to squeeze the piece onto one CD. He also shortens the "list"  song since Gilbert's original features a prominent use of the "N"  word, which, not withstanding the fact that he's making fun of people who  performed in black-face in the 19th century, isn't worth the trouble it would  cause by leaving it in. The singers are real singers; that is, they treat the  music with respect and make it sound great. Of course, it is.--David  Hurwitz