Composer

:

Arthur Sullivan

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Operetta

Compose Date

:

1889

Publication Date

:

1890

Average_duration

:

104:20

Movement_count

:

37

Movement ....

The Gondoliers is an operetta composed by Arthur Sullivan with a libretto by W.S. Gilbert. It was first performed at the Savoy Theatre in London on December 7, 1889. The plot revolves around two gondoliers, Marco and Giuseppe, who are informed that one of them is the long-lost King of Barataria. They travel to Barataria to rule jointly, but complications arise when it is discovered that the true king was switched at birth and is actually a humble drummer boy. The operetta is set in Venice and Barataria, a fictional kingdom in Spain. The music is characterized by Sullivan's signature catchy melodies and lively dance rhythms, with influences from Italian and Spanish folk music. The score includes several memorable songs, such as "Take a Pair of Sparkling Eyes" and "Dance a Cachucha." The Gondoliers was one of the last collaborations between Gilbert and Sullivan, and it reflects their trademark wit and satire. The plot satirizes the idea of monarchy and the class system, with the gondoliers' egalitarian values clashing with the pomp and ceremony of royal life. The characters are colorful and exaggerated, with comic misunderstandings and mistaken identities driving the plot. The operetta was a commercial success, running for 554 performances in its initial run. It has since become a staple of the Gilbert and Sullivan repertoire, with numerous revivals and adaptations. The Gondoliers is notable for its use of ensemble numbers, with several large-scale choruses and finales showcasing Sullivan's skill at orchestration and vocal harmony. Overall, The Gondoliers is a lively and entertaining operetta that showcases the talents of Gilbert and Sullivan. Its catchy tunes, witty lyrics, and colorful characters have made it a beloved classic of the genre.

More....