Jerry Silverman

Gilbert and Sullivan Favorites for Voice and Guitar

As you read this, somewhere in the English-speaking world a production of a Gilbert & Sullivan operetta is being rehearsed or presented. It may be taking place in an elementary, secondary or high school; a university; an amateur musical theater group; a summer-stock ensemble; a professional light-opera company. The musical accompaniment may consist of a piano or two - perhaps plus a few other instruments - or a full orchestra. Audiences, be they first-time listeners or dyed-in-the wool G&S fanatics, will be captivated by the scintillating melodies and effervescent lyrics of those highly unlikely collaborators: Sir Arthur Seymour Sullivan and Sir William Schwenck GIlbert. Incredibly, despite the seemingly endless popularity of these works, which have been published, staged, recorded, broadcast, televised and cinematized over the years since their first performances by the D'Oyly Carte Opera in London in the 1870s and 1880s, there has never been an edition which permitted the guitar-playing masses to enjoy these Victorian gems. Until now. Here, for the first time, are 52 G&S favorites (or, if you will, favourites), drawn from five of their most popular operettas: H. M. S. Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance, Patience, Iolanthe, The Mikado. arranged with guitar chords - in guitar-friendly keys! The very model of a modern music manuscript! All selections include melody, lyrics and guitar chords.