When The Foeman Bares His Steel (from Pirates of Penzance)

(Brass Band)

This hilarious show-stopper from "The Pirates of Penzance" is one of Gilbert & Sullivan's most memorable comic opera moments. A band of awkward policemen sing a heroic tune ("Ta-ran-ta-ra") while the lyrics confess their cowardice at the prospect of taking on the bloodthirsty pirates. This arrangement for brass band highlights Sullivan's  brilliant contrapuntal writing - often missed amidst the slapstick and chewing of scenery during a stage performance.