Composer

:

Arthur Sullivan

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Operetta

Compose Date

:

1867

The Sapphire Necklace is an opera composed by Arthur Sullivan, with a libretto by Sydney Grundy. The opera was composed in 1887 and premiered on December 5th of the same year at the Prince of Wales Theatre in London. The opera is a three-act comic opera that tells the story of a young woman named Lady Ursula, who is engaged to Lord Arthur, but is also pursued by the villainous Duke of Montarino. The first act of the opera takes place in the drawing room of Lady Ursula's home, where she is entertaining her friends. The Duke of Montarino arrives and attempts to woo Lady Ursula, but she rebuffs his advances. Lord Arthur arrives and is introduced to the Duke, who immediately takes a dislike to him. The act ends with the Duke plotting to steal Lady Ursula's sapphire necklace. The second act takes place in the Duke's castle, where he has invited Lady Ursula and her friends for a masquerade ball. The Duke attempts to steal the necklace, but is foiled by Lord Arthur and Lady Ursula's maid, who switch the necklace with a fake. The act ends with the Duke being arrested for his attempted theft. The third act takes place back at Lady Ursula's home, where she and Lord Arthur are finally able to confess their love for each other. The Duke is brought before them and is revealed to be a fraud, as he is not actually a duke but a common criminal. The opera ends with Lady Ursula and Lord Arthur happily engaged. The Sapphire Necklace is known for its catchy tunes and witty dialogue, as well as its use of the chorus to provide comic relief. The opera was well-received at its premiere and enjoyed a successful run in London. However, it has since fallen out of favor and is rarely performed today.

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