The first thing that sets this apart from other collections of Sullivan overtures is that – for the first time – it covers the entire Gilbert and Sullivan output. The only works that are missing are Thespis, Trial by Jury and Utopia Limited, none of which had overtures as such. The sensible addition of the overture to Cox and Box means that all the Sullivan comic operas likely to be of interest to the general collector are here. An even more intelligent feature is that they're presented in chronological order, so that one can chart the progression of Sullivan's comic opera style from the very French-sounding ending of Cox and Box and the equally French-sounding opening of TheSorcerer through to more distinctively Sullivanesque sounds of the later pieces.
None of this would count for much if the performances weren't up to scratch. Happily they're models of their kind. Andrew Penny has an agreeably light touch, alternatively reflective and sparkling, and gets graceful phrasing from the Royal Ballet Sinfonia – ideal performers of light music.
Nobody wanting a collection of Sullivan's comic opera overtures need look elsewhere.