This was one of Sullivan's most successful post-Gilbert operettas, with a colorful setting and the kinds of romantic-comic leads and hypocritical or venal antagonists which drew forth his most effective writing. Sullivan provided the requisite "Oriental" effects in the music, particularly the choruses and dances. There are hints of The Mikado throughout the plot, particularly the escape from the death sentence, but Sullivan avoided any overt repetition of the music, with the possible exception of the madrigal. The entrance of the disguised dervishes is easily as funny as "The March of the Peers" from Iolanthe, and the drinking song, "I care not if the cup I hold" was a popular favorite.

Despite its critical and popular acclaim at its premiere and occasional revivals in England, it has largely faded from the repertoire. The greatest part of this is the only partly justified belief that without Gilbert, Sullivan couldn't write effective comic music. Another, smaller part is that the role of the sultana, Rose in Bloom, was written for Ellen Beach Yaw, showing off her high upper register, a choice which while pleasing to the listener, has proven frustrating for casting managers.

© Anne Feeney, All Music Guide