I love both, but I do think Gay's music will be around longer, as so many of the pieces were old folk tunes to begin with.

But what dick said above is important to remember. Three Penny Opera was both thrilling, shocking, and sophisticated when it was first performed in much the same way as Beggar's Opera was centuries before.

Between the two, though, I think Beggar's Opera will be performed more often in the future.

Lucky we are to have them both on excellent recordings!

..xx..e