Gilbert/Sullivan: Princess Ida (Complete) with the Pineapple Poll Ballet

"Princess Ida is fake feminism with a vengeance. Elizabeth Harwood in the name-part sings splendidly, and John Reed's irritably gruff portrayal of the irascible King Gama is memorable...and a splendid recording, spacious and immediate."
Penguin Stereo Guide

Princess Ida, the only Savoy opera in three acts, is based on Tennyson's 'medieval' poem The Princess. It tells of how the young Prince Hilarion, betrothed to Princess Ida when they were both babies, breaks into Ida's Women's University in Castle Adamant to claim his bride.
Princess Ida contains much of Sullivan's most inspired music and this acclaimed recording presents a suitably grand performance.

"Sir Malcolm Sargent is completely at home here, and his broadly lyrical approach has much to offer in this 'grandest' of the Savoy operas. Elizabeth Harwood, in the name part, sings splendidly and John Reed's portrayal of the irascible King Gama is memorableYthe rest of the cast is no less strong and, with excellent team work from the company as a whole and a splendid recording, spacious and immediate, this has much to offer. The CD transfer is outstanding and the 1965 recording has splendid depth and presence.

As a bonus we are offered [Sir Charles] Mackerras' 1982 digital recording of his scintillating ballet score, Pineapple Poll. Mackerras conducts with warmth as well as vivacity, and the elegantly polished playing of the Philharmonia Orchestra gives much pleasure."
The Penguin Guide to Opera on CD