A look at the list of initial runs for the Gilbert and Sullivan Operas reveals that PATIENCE initially ran for a total of 578 performances, second only in fact to THE MIKADO. The first revival of the piece during November 1900 resulted in a very respectable run of 150 performances. Little wonder then that PATIENCE was the 5th opera to arrive in the recording studio, being accorded a complete recording by HMV in 1921 ahead of both IOLANTHE and PINAFORE (1922).
As was the practice in the acoustic era, very few D'Oyly Carte singers were employed in these first recordings, and in the case of PATIENCE, the opera is cast entirely from HMV 'stock' singers, including George Baker as both Bunthorne and Major Murgatroyd and Peter Dawson as Colonel Calverley.
This recording has been issued in a number of digital transfers, including Sounds on CD VGS 201, and as an MP3 download from 78s2cd GS04C. Both versions are currently available from 78s2cd (see link to 'Sites of Interest').
With the advent of the new 'electric' recording process in 1927, HMV started a second series of complete recordings. By this time D'Oyly Carte singers were, in the main, being used in preference to HMV's contracted singers, and in the case of PATIENCE (one of three operas to be recorded in 1930), the cast is basically that as seen on stage with just two exceptions - George Baker is cast as Bunthorne, whilst Derek Oldham plays the Duke, a role he never played on stage. 
Dr Malcolm Sargent conducts and draws some fine singing from the chorus and some equally fine playing from the orchestra, both presumably D'Oyly Carte.
Sounds on CD VGS244
