The only one of Sullivan's orchestral works to achieve any permanence in the standard repertoire, this delightful work is not only as tuneful and energetic as any of the operetta overtures, but also shows that Sullivan was a masterful orchestrator for the full symphony as well as for the smaller pit group of The Mikado and its brethren.

By the time the Overture di Ballo was written and first performed in 1870, Sullivan was a mature composer who had already developed an identifiable style and who seemed well on his way to international fame. His first collaboration with W.S. Gilbert, Thespis, would follow a just a year later and would beckon him away from the writing of symphonic music.

This overture pulses with the popular dance rhythms of the day, but in its grace seems aimed at the ballet as much as at the ballroom. After an initial attention-getter comes a delicate Polonaise followed by the central waltz, marked Tempo di Valse. A contrasting Tempo di Galop section arrives to balance the gossamer with gusto.



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