Composer

:

Arthur Sullivan

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Operetta

Compose Date

:

1887

Publication Date

:

1887

Average_duration

:

79:27

'Ruddigore' is an opera composed by Arthur Sullivan with a libretto by W.S. Gilbert. The opera was first performed on January 22, 1887, at the Savoy Theatre in London. The plot of the opera revolves around the curse of the Ruddigore family, which requires the current Baronet of Ruddigore to commit a crime every day or face a terrible fate. The opera begins with Robin Oakapple, a young farmer who is secretly the true Baronet of Ruddigore, living in disguise to avoid the curse. He is in love with Rose Maybud, a village maiden, but is too shy to confess his love. Meanwhile, the current Baronet, Sir Despard Murgatroyd, is struggling to keep up with the daily requirement of committing a crime. He seeks the help of his ancestors, who rise from their portraits to advise him. As the story progresses, Robin's true identity is revealed, and he is forced to take up the mantle of the Baronet of Ruddigore. He struggles to balance his love for Rose with the demands of the curse. Meanwhile, Sir Despard's ancestors reveal that the curse can be broken if the current Baronet refuses to commit a crime for a year and a day. The opera features several memorable musical numbers, including the famous patter song "My eyes are fully open," sung by Sir Despard, and the duet "I once was a very abandoned person," sung by Robin and Rose. 'Ruddigore' is known for its satirical take on Victorian melodrama and its use of supernatural elements. The opera was not as successful as some of Gilbert and Sullivan's other works, but it has since become a beloved classic of the operatic repertoire.

More....