Composer

:

Arthur Sullivan

Genre

:

Orchestral

Style

:

Incidental Music

Compose Date

:

1877

Average_duration

:

18:49

Movement_count

:

4

Movement ....

Henry VIII is an operetta composed by Arthur Sullivan, with a libretto by B. C. Stephenson. The operetta premiered on January 5, 1892, at the Savoy Theatre in London, England. The operetta is divided into three acts, with a total of 14 musical numbers. The first act of the operetta introduces the audience to the court of King Henry VIII, where the king is celebrating his marriage to his sixth wife, Catherine Parr. The act features several musical numbers, including a chorus of courtiers singing "Hail to the King," and a duet between Catherine and her former lover, Thomas Seymour. The second act of the operetta takes place several years later, after Catherine has died and Henry has married his seventh wife, Catherine Howard. The act features several musical numbers, including a solo by Catherine Howard, "Oh, my heart is beating wildly," and a duet between Catherine and her lover, Thomas Culpeper. The third act of the operetta takes place after Catherine Howard has been executed for adultery. The act features several musical numbers, including a solo by Henry VIII, "Oh, gentlemen, listen, I pray," and a duet between Henry and his daughter, Princess Elizabeth. The music of Henry VIII is characterized by Sullivan's signature style of light opera, with catchy melodies and witty lyrics. The operetta also features several ensemble numbers, including a chorus of courtiers and a chorus of ladies-in-waiting. Overall, Henry VIII is a lighthearted and entertaining operetta that showcases Sullivan's talent for composing catchy and memorable melodies. The operetta remains popular today and is frequently performed by amateur and professional theater companies around the world.

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