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Sullivan, Arthur
Sir Arthur Sullivan (1842–1900) was a celebrated English composer best known for his legendary partnership with librettist W.S. Gilbert. Together, they created some of the most enduring comic operas in English musical history.
Gilbert & Sullivan Operas
Sullivan’s witty, melodious scores paired perfectly with Gilbert’s satirical libretti. Their most famous works include:
H.M.S. Pinafore (1878): A naval satire with catchy tunes
The Pirates of Penzance (1879): A comic romp about duty and piracy
The Mikado (1885): A Japanese themed satire of British society
The Gondoliers (1889): A Venetian tale of mistaken identity and monarchy
These operas became known as the Savoy Operas, named after the Savoy Theatre built by impresario Richard D’Oyly Carte to showcase their work.
However, his output wasn’t limited to just light opera. In his works you wikll find
24 operas, including the grand opera Ivanhoe (1891)
11 major orchestral works, including Overture di Ballo (1870)
10 choral works and oratorios, such as The Golden Legend (1886)
2 ballets, including L’Île Enchantée (1864)
Church music, hymns, and songs—most famously Onward, Christian Soldiers and The Lost Chord
He was born in London to a military bandmaster and a musically inclined mother and joined the Chapel Royal choir and won the first Mendelssohn Scholarship at age 14. Later he studied at the Royal Academy of Music and Leipzig Conservatory, where he composed The Tempest (1861), earning early acclaim.
Sullivan was knighted in 1883 and remains one of Britain’s most beloved composers. His blend of humor, melody, and craftsmanship influenced generations of musical theatre composers and continues to delight audiences worldwide.
Gilbert & Sullivan Operas
Sullivan’s witty, melodious scores paired perfectly with Gilbert’s satirical libretti. Their most famous works include:
H.M.S. Pinafore (1878): A naval satire with catchy tunes
The Pirates of Penzance (1879): A comic romp about duty and piracy
The Mikado (1885): A Japanese themed satire of British society
The Gondoliers (1889): A Venetian tale of mistaken identity and monarchy
These operas became known as the Savoy Operas, named after the Savoy Theatre built by impresario Richard D’Oyly Carte to showcase their work.
However, his output wasn’t limited to just light opera. In his works you wikll find
24 operas, including the grand opera Ivanhoe (1891)
11 major orchestral works, including Overture di Ballo (1870)
10 choral works and oratorios, such as The Golden Legend (1886)
2 ballets, including L’Île Enchantée (1864)
Church music, hymns, and songs—most famously Onward, Christian Soldiers and The Lost Chord
He was born in London to a military bandmaster and a musically inclined mother and joined the Chapel Royal choir and won the first Mendelssohn Scholarship at age 14. Later he studied at the Royal Academy of Music and Leipzig Conservatory, where he composed The Tempest (1861), earning early acclaim.
Sullivan was knighted in 1883 and remains one of Britain’s most beloved composers. His blend of humor, melody, and craftsmanship influenced generations of musical theatre composers and continues to delight audiences worldwide.