Who's behind the notes? Discover Arthur Sullivan: The Musical Genius Behind Gilbert & Sullivan
Arthur Sullivan was a prominent British composer, best known for his collaboration with librettist W.S. Gilbert in creating a series of highly successful comic operas during the late 19th century. "The Pirates of Penzance" is one of their most famous works, and here are some interesting facts about Arthur Sullivan and this operetta:
Prolific Composer: Arthur Sullivan composed music for 14 comic operas in collaboration with W.S. Gilbert. "The Pirates of Penzance" is one of the most celebrated works from this partnership.
Speedy Composition: The entire score of "The Pirates of Penzance" was completed in just six weeks. This rapid composition was due to Gilbert's tight deadlines and the duo's productive working relationship.
Premiere Date: "The Pirates of Penzance" had its premiere on December 31, 1879, at the Fifth Avenue Theatre in New York City. It was performed in New York before its London premiere, a rare occurrence for Gilbert and Sullivan operas.
American Success: The operetta was an immediate success in the United States, partly because it premiered there first. It's said to have opened on Broadway the night before it was performed in London.
Leap Year Theme: The plot of "The Pirates of Penzance" centers around a young man named Frederic, who is mistakenly indentured to a band of pirates until his 21st birthday. However, Frederic was born on February 29th, so he technically only has a birthday every four years, adding humor and complexity to the story.
Parody and Satire: As with many of Gilbert and Sullivan's works, "The Pirates of Penzance" is known for its witty lyrics, clever wordplay, and satirical commentary on social and political issues of the time, such as the British sense of duty and class distinctions.
Ruth, the Pirate Maid of All Work: The character of Ruth, Frederic's former nursery maid who becomes a pirate, is a comedic role. In her song "When Frederic Was a Little Lad," she sings about her misguided efforts to educate the young Frederic in various fields, including theology and pilotage.
Modern Revivals: "The Pirates of Penzance" has been revived and adapted numerous times, both in traditional operatic productions and more contemporary adaptations. It has remained a popular choice for amateur and professional theater companies around the world.
Familiar Songs: Several songs from "The Pirates of Penzance" have become iconic, including "I Am the Very Model of a Modern Major-General" and "Poor Wand'ring One." These songs are often performed in isolation from the operetta itself.
Influence on Popular Culture: The humor and catchiness of Gilbert and Sullivan's work, including "The Pirates of Penzance," have left a lasting impact on the world of musical theater and comedy, with their influence seen in many modern musicals and comedic works.
Arthur Sullivan's collaboration with W.S. Gilbert and their creation of operettas like "The Pirates of Penzance" continue to be celebrated for their wit, humor, and enduring appeal in the world of musical theater.