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The Variorum Gilbert & Sullivan, Volume I

Just published!

The Variorum Gilbert & Sullivan, Volume I, is the first of a five-volume critical edition of the Gilbert & Sullivan libretti, tracing their evolution from the pre-production drafts and the early productions, through revivals, twentieth-century D'Oyly Carte practice, and the contributions of later editions and editors.

The editors, Marc Shepherd and Michael Walters, have researched hundreds of sources, including Gilbert and Sullivan's original manuscripts, drafts, license copies, printed libretti, prompt books, vocal scores, sheet music, and recordings, tracing each opera's textual history in copious detail, from the creative period through to the present day.

This first volume includes Thespis, Trial by Jury, The Sorcerer, and H.M.S. Pinafore. See the Variorum page for more details.

Vocal Score of The Grand Duke

Our Critical Edition of The Grand Duke was published in 2009. It has been used in several productions, including the SavoyNet production at the International Gilbert & Sullivan Festival in August 2009.

Both the Complete Edition and the Performer’s Edition are available for purchase from Lulu Press, where you can also download a PDF for free. The Performer’s Edition, omitting the introduction and appendices, is 115 pages shorter and $3 cheaper. The dialogue and music are identical in both versions.

An errata list is available here (PDF).

Gilbert & Sullivan Discography

The Gilbert & Sullivan Discography is a detailed compendium of all — well, nearly all — G&S recordings and videos ever published. At least, that is our goal. For professional recordings in the LP era and afterwards we think we have come pretty close. Visit the Discography for more information.

SavoyNet

Marc Shepherd is listowner of SavoyNet, an Internet Discussion list dedicated to the works of Gilbert & Sullivan. Visit the SavoyNet Website for more information and to learn how to subscribe.