Gilbert & Sullivan: Overtures & Choruses [2 CD set]

"This is a marvellous and well-presented double disc compilation consisting of all of Sullivan's overtures as well as popular choruses from a wide variety of the most well known operettas. The overtures are not only those that are often heard and therefore the most popular but we also have some uncommon ones and, in the case of the Marmion Overture some that are only rarely performed...the transfers are not only immaculate but also at a strong and consistent level."
(Bargain of the Month MusicWeb Feb 2011)

Here's a 2CD set of Overtures from the D'Oyly Carte recordings made over several years by Decca, together with some of Sullivan's 'concert overtures' - Macbeth, Marmion and Di Ballo. Also included is an extremely rare 1969 Decca recording of Sullivan Choruses conducted by James Walker, better known in musical circles as one of Decca's key recording engineers, but an ardent G&S fan. It receives its first release on Decca CD. A perfect introduction to the set pieces and patter songs in orchestral guise.