An Entirely Original Fairy Opera, in Two Acts, Entitled Iolanthe, Or, the Peer and the Peri

by Arthur Sullivan, Berthold Tours, W.S. Gilbert

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48 pages, Hardcover

First published January 1, 1882

About the author

Sir Arthur Seymour Sullivan was an English composer. He is best known for his series of 14 operatic collaborations with dramatist W. S. Gilbert, including such enduring works as H.M.S. Pinafore, The Pirates of Penzance and The Mikado. Sullivan composed 23 operas, 13 major orchestral works, eight choral works and oratorios, two ballets, incidental music to several plays, and numerous hymns and other church pieces, songs, and piano and chamber pieces. The best known of his hymns and songs include "Onward Christian Soldiers" and "The Lost Chord".

Reviews

[Rose Rosetree · Rating 5 out of 5]

Today's internet is loaded with Valentine images of fairies and angels. Pre-internet, the dry wit of W.S. Gilbert brought forth this sardonically delightful operetta.

Right from the start we meet "dainty little fairies, ever singing, ever dancing."

Meanwhile the satire keeps on coming. For instance, given the class snobbery that would have been known to every reader or theatergoer in England, here's the first verse and chorus of a ballad sung by "Lord Tolloller."

Spurn not the nobly born
With love affected,
Nor treat with virtuous scorn
The well connected.

High rank involves no shame --
We boast an equal claim
With him of humble name
To be respected!

Blue blood! Blue blood!
When virtuous love is sought
Thy power is naught,
Though dating from the flood,
Blue blood!

Every aria is magnificent to this G&S lover. Of course I give "Iolanthe" FIVE STARS!