Well over 100 years before Enron, Gilbert & Sullivan satirized the potential excesses of capitalism to hilarious effect in Utopia Limited. Some Seven Men Form an Association is the key song, where the English company promoter Mr. Goldbury explains the advantages of limited liability companies to King Paramount and the Utopian court. By the end of Act I, the King has decided to take his kingdom public; by the end of Act II, harsh realities lead to the conclusion that a limited monarchy is a good deal better than a monarchy limited.

Baritones have many fine roles in the Gilbert & Sullivan canon, but how often do they get to explain that if your company goes bankrupt, "The liquidators say, 'Never mind, you needn't pay,' so you start another company tomorrow?" The chorus quickly picks up on this lesson. Utopia Limited has never been so timely, and now its classic songs are available in modern, readable Recordare editions.

4 pages. A-flat major. Range: C to F.