Introduces the Victorian operetta, looks at the lives and careers of the writer-composer team, and gives an overview of the creation, plot, and production of their operettas
"synopsis" may belong to another edition of this title.
Introductory guide to the life and works of the famous British duo, by poet/biographer Ffinch (G.K. Chesterton, 1987). Though of some service, it won't endanger the shelf life of standard works in the field, particularly Leslie Baily's classic The Gilbert and Sullivan Book. As you might expect from a poet, the emphasis here is on Gilbert over Sullivan. Ffinch traces the pair's career from their first collaboration through their final work, with some incidental discussion of Gilbert's other plays and libretti. A complete synopsis is given of each work, with liberal quotes from Gilbert's often amusing lyrics. Notes about the original productions and about critical and audience responses--as well as some glimpses of the backstage tensions between the collaborators and their producer, Richard D'Oyly Carte--are also offered, drawing on readily available sources. Perhaps most interesting are the descriptions of the original cast members, showing how Gilbert and Sullivan sensitively shaped their works to meet the needs of their repertoire company. Gilbert's pettiness in arguing over production costs with the wily D'Oyly Carte, and Sullivan's interest in cultivating the producer's friendship in order to ensure that D'Oyly Carte would produce the ``serious'' opera that Sullivan dreamed of composing, led to the duo's ultimate downfall. Although Ffinch emphasizes the importance of the collaborative effort, he offers scant discussion of Sullivan's music; and although well- known songs are mentioned, the author's obvious literary bent precludes any serious musical discussion. His sympathy for Gilbert, too, skews his book's ending, where it's apparent that Gilbert's own character faults led to the failure of the partnership. Not without its uses, but a more balanced account would help the beginning listener enjoy these works as comic operas, not just as comic texts. (Photographs) -- Copyright ©1993, Kirkus Associates, LP. All rights reserved.
Rather than creating a dual biography of two individuals--playwright and librettist William Gilbert (1836-1911) and composer Arthur Sullivan (1842-1900)--Ffinch ( Cardinal Newman ) here portrays a single entity: GilbertandSullivan. The focus is on the 14 satiric operettas that resulted from this sometimes rocky association set in a framework of biographical detail. Ffinch is at his best giving clear descriptions of the evolution, scripting, productions and plots of each operetta, from the ever-popular H.M.S. Pinafore , The Pirates of Penzance and The Mikado to the less familiar Utopia, Limited . True to an introductory remark in which he notes that he has "to accept Gilbert as our greatest writer of comic verse," Ffinch includes long passages of the writer's witty librettos--a welcome addition considering how often the words are muddled in amateur productions. This is a worthwhile, basic book on one of the great musical collaborations. Photos.
Copyright 1993 Reed Business Information, Inc.
"About this title" may belong to another edition of this title.
Shipping:
US$ 2.69
Within U.S.A.
Seller: Booketeria Inc., San Antonio, TX, U.S.A.
Hardcover. Condition: Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Very Good. Ex-librry copy. plays. Seller Inventory # 67055
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: AwesomeBooks, Wallingford, United Kingdom
Condition: Very Good. This book is in very good condition and will be shipped within 24 hours of ordering. The cover may have some limited signs of wear but the pages are clean, intact and the spine remains undamaged. This book has clearly been well maintained and looked after thus far. Money back guarantee if you are not satisfied. See all our books here, order more than 1 book and get discounted shipping. . Seller Inventory # 7719-9780297812364
Quantity: 3 available
Seller: Goldstone Books, Llandybie, United Kingdom
Hardcover. Condition: Good. All orders are dispatched within one working day from our UK warehouse. We've been selling books online since 2004! We have over 750,000 books in stock. No quibble refund if not completely satisfied. Seller Inventory # mon0007034252
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Bahamut Media, Reading, United Kingdom
Condition: Very Good. Shipped within 24 hours from our UK warehouse. Clean, undamaged book with no damage to pages and minimal wear to the cover. Spine still tight, in very good condition. Remember if you are not happy, you are covered by our 100% money back guarantee. Seller Inventory # 6545-9780297812364
Quantity: 3 available
Seller: BoundlessBookstore, Wallingford, United Kingdom
Hardcover. Condition: Good. Light wear to boards. Content is clean. Good DJ with fading. Seller Inventory # 9999-9991205336
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: BoundlessBookstore, Wallingford, United Kingdom
Hardcover. Condition: Good. Good condition. Light wear to boards. Content is clean and bright. Good DJ with some edge wear and creasing. Seller Inventory # 9999-9995560654
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Anybook.com, Lincoln, United Kingdom
Condition: Fair. This is an ex-library book and may have the usual library/used-book markings inside.This book has hardback covers. In fair condition, suitable as a study copy. Dust Jacket in good condition. Seller Inventory # 8598581
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Russell Books, Victoria, BC, Canada
Condition: Very Good. Seller Inventory # FORT477795
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Adelaide Booksellers, Clarence Gardens, SA, Australia
Hardback. 1st UK Edition. Large octavo size [16x24cm approx]. Very Good condition in Very Good Dustjacket. DJ protected in our purpose-made clear archival plastic sleeve. A nice copy. Illustrated with Black and White plates. Previous owner's details to front pastedown. 294 pages. Robust, professional packaging and tracking provided for all parcels. Seller Inventory # 310762
Quantity: 1 available
Seller: Marlowes Books and Music, Ferny Grove, QLD, Australia
Hard Cover. Condition: Good. Dust Jacket Condition: Good. First Edition. 294 pages. Ex-Library. (only one small stamp on inside page). Book and Jacket are both in Good condition. There is some light shelf and reading wear, but still a presentable copy. Seller Inventory # 210925
Quantity: 1 available