Gilbert and Sullivan

“I’m really very sorry for you all, but it’s an unjust world and virtue is triumphant only in theatrical performances!” (The Mikado). It’s Victorian England—the theatrical partnership of W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan is so popular, their works led to command performances in Buckingham palace. That’s great for the 19th century, but why should modern audiences care? We care because their innovation inspired our contemporary composers and their satires reveal as much about people of our time as they did about their 19th-century audiences. Gilbert aimed at targets we recognize: the military, bloviating politicians, police and outdated manners. We care because Gilbert and Sullivan operas are fun for all. The variety is unending: madrigals, arias and patter-songs. We’ll even take a side trip, discussing costumes and choreography.

Course Code
505408