Classic CD:
Before he ever encountered Gilbert, the young Sullivan, for a rather upper-crust amateur dramatic society, created a short Offenbachian operetta to a libretto by another well-known humorist, F C Burnand. This farcical tale of a twice-let room, Cox & Box, in Sullivan's later orchestrated abridgement, has been more or less adopted into the canon and several times recorded. In 1984, however, it was reconstructed in its original version, and recorded under similar conditions to the original - in a Victorian drawing-room, with piano accompaniment (yes, a period piano!). This merry enterprise is now released on CD under Sullivan Society auspices, and very convincing it is - more so, in fact that, that the Savoy revision, orchestration notwithstanding. Sullivan's music foreshadows the bounce of his best works, Burnand's book displays a pleasantly Gilbertian energy and daftness, and the entirely professional performances are properly stylish, robust and outsize - especially Francke's rascally Bouncer. With fine notes by G & S authority Berger, this is strongly recommended, not only for fanatical Savoyards, but anyone who enjoys this genre
. * * * * * (5 star award)
Michael Scott Rohan

FANFARE (USA):
Recorded at a 1984 performance, this is the world-première issue of the original 60-minute Cox and Box. The performance is delightful. Leon Berger is a rough and ready Cox, and Ian Kennedy a mellifluous Box. Kenneth Barclay keeps the proceedings moving smartly on the piano. Highly recommended for all Savoyards
James Camner

Penguin Guide to Compact Discs:
This lively and enjoyable performance re-creates the original version of Cox and Box, first heard at a private gathering at the librettist Burnand's own house in May 1866, with Sullivan himself improvising at the piano. The orchestration came a year later for the work's première at the Adelphi Theatre, and the Overture and the duet Stay, Bouncer, Stay were also added subsequently. The present account (based on a professional production for London Chamber Opera) is spirited and polished, and its considerable length (over an hour) serves to demonstrate the reasons for Sullivan's own shortened version in 1894. It was further truncated in 1921 to produce the concise version which remained in the D'Oyly Carte Company's repertoire until the late 1970s. However, the performance on the present disc is most enjoyable and does not outstay its welcome. Donald Francke is a splendidly rumbustious Bouncer. The charming original compound-time version of the Bacon Lullaby is considerably different from the song known in the revised score. Stay, Bouncer, Stay is added in for good measure. Of course, one misses the orchestra, but the piano accompaniment, using a suitable period instrument, is well managed. The words are admirably clear, a consideration which would surely have been just as important to Burnand as to Gilbert. It is good to see that the production is dedicated to the memory of the late Arthur Jacobs, biographer of Sullivan, at whose insistence this recording (sponsored by the Sullivan Society) was issued commercially.
Edward Greenfield

“Professionally performed and comically expert” - BBC Music Magazine
“the performance has real flair and accomplishment” – Gramophone
“earnest dedication to authenticity…..Donald Francke is genuinely funny…” - Opera Quarterly (USA)