There are 22 tracks on this CD, with two of particular interest to the Gilbert and Sullivan fan. Track 15 is The Policeman's Song ("When a felon's not engaged in his employment") from The Pirates of Penzance, and track 16 is Bunthorne's Song ("If you're anxious for to shine") from Patience. Both tracks were recorded on December 4th 1947, with orchestra conducted by Johnny Green.
The Policeman's Song contains an extra verse, whilst Bunthorne's Song replaces Gilbert's original third verse with a completely new one. Both are very well written, and absolutely in the spirit of the original. The author of these extra verses (Danny Kaye's wife, pianist-composer Sylvia Fine) is not credited on the sleeve notes. She wrote to Leslie Baily (author of The Gilbert and Sullivan Book) : "The verses were written in all diffidence and humility, with no thought that they would equal the quality of the original".
In 1955, a lady in England started a petition, asking the UK government to extend Gilbert's copyright. She amassed 8,000 signatures, and said she hoped to get eight million by 1961 ! When asked what she thought of Danny Kaye's records, she is reported to have said "I'd like to smash them over his head !" What a recommendation !
Follow this link to hear extracts from the first five tracks of this CD.
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