Arthur Sullivan - W.S. Gilbert - My Eyes Are Fully Open (from Ruddigore)

Arthur Sullivan was an English composer best known for his collaboration with librettist W.S. Gilbert. "The Pirates of Penzance" is one of their famous comic operas. Here are some interesting facts about Arthur Sullivan and "The Pirates of Penzance":

Collaboration with W.S. Gilbert: Sullivan and Gilbert collaborated on a series of fourteen comic operas, commonly known as the Savoy Operas. "The Pirates of Penzance" is one of these operas.
Rapid Composition: Sullivan composed the music for "The Pirates of Penzance" in just a few weeks. The speed of his composition was partly due to the tight schedule imposed by the American producer Richard D'Oyly Carte.
American Premiere: "The Pirates of Penzance" had its world premiere in New York in 1879. This was because Gilbert and Sullivan's earlier work, "H.M.S. Pinafore," had been widely pirated in the United States, prompting them to premiere their new work there to secure copyright.
Major Songs: Some of the well-known songs from "The Pirates of Penzance" include "I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General," "Poor Wand'ring One," and "With Cat-Like Tread."
Comic Elements: The opera is known for its witty and humorous dialogue, as well as its satirical take on various aspects of Victorian society. The character of the Major-General is particularly famous for his rapid and comical patter song.
Success and Enduring Popularity: "The Pirates of Penzance" was a commercial success and has endured in popularity. Its clever lyrics, catchy tunes, and humorous plot have contributed to its lasting appeal in the world of musical theater.

Arthur Sullivan's contributions to musical theater, especially through his collaboration with W.S. Gilbert, have left an indelible mark on the genre, and "The Pirates of Penzance" remains a beloved classic.