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'''Gilbert and Sullivan''' refer to the musical team of librettist W. S. Gilbert (1836–1911) and composer Arthur Sullivan (1842–1900).  The two are famous for the creation of the [[England|British]] [[light opera]] tradition.  A ''light opera'' - a genre almost entirely composed of Gilbert and Sullivan works - is a comic work in the popular tongue (vulgate), written for mass consumption and enjoyment, often to parody themes of (then-) modern life.  During their lifetimes and work together, Gilbert and Sullivan wrote fourteen light operas.   

'''Gilbert and Sullivan''' refer to the musical team of librettist W. S. Gilbert (1836–1911) and composer Arthur Sullivan (1842–1900).  The two are famous for the creation of the [[England|British]] [[light opera]] tradition.  A ''light opera'' - a genre almost entirely composed of Gilbert and Sullivan works - is a comic work in the popular tongue (vulgate), written for mass consumption and enjoyment, often to parody themes of (then-) modern life.  During their lifetimes and work together, Gilbert and Sullivan wrote fourteen light operas.   

Almost as important as Gilbert and Sullivan themselves was Richard D'Oyly Carte, their producer and impresario. The success of the early operas enabled him to build the Savoy Theatre, in which the later operas were mounted. The Gilbert and Sullivan works are often known as the "Savoy operas" and theatre companies devoted to presenting these operas often name themselves "Savoyards."

Almost as important as Gilbert and Sullivan themselves was Richard D'Oyly Carte, their producer and impresario. The success of the early operas enabled him to build the Savoy Theatre, in which the later operas were mounted. The Gilbert and Sullivan works are often known as the "Savoy operas" and theatre companies devoted to presenting these operas often name themselves "Savoyards." D'Oyly Carte's productions were lavishly mounted and had an element of spectacle to them; for example, the "March of the Peers" in ''Iolanthe'' featured elaborate replicas of the ceremonial robes worn by the members of the House of Lords.

Sir Arthur Sullivan found the success of the operettas personally frustrating. He aspired to what he considered to be greater things, and many of his contemporaries, up to and including Queen Victoria, encouraged his ambitions to create serious grand opera on epic English themes. Sullivan did create a cantata, ''The Golden Legend;'' an oratorio, ''The Light of the World;'' and an opera, ''Ivanhoe,'' all obscure and rarely performed. The Savoy operas, however, remain popular to this day. Gilbert famously quipped that Sullivan aspired to be a Bach, but was only an Offenbach. However, part of the pleasure audiences take from Gilbert and Sullivan comes from the contrast between Sullivan's refined music and Gilbert's irreverent words.

Sir Arthur Sullivan found the success of the operettas personally frustrating. He aspired to what he considered to be greater things, and many of his contemporaries, up to and including Queen Victoria, encouraged his ambitions to create serious grand opera on epic English themes. Sullivan did create a cantata, ''The Golden Legend;'' an oratorio, ''The Light of the World;'' and an opera, ''Ivanhoe,'' all obscure and rarely performed. The Savoy operas, however, remain popular to this day. Gilbert famously quipped that Sullivan aspired to be a Bach, but was only an Offenbach.  

 

However, part of the pleasure audiences take from Gilbert and Sullivan comes from the contrast between Sullivan's refined music and Gilbert's irreverent words.

In the early years the United States did not recognize British copyrights. Unauthorized productions of works such as ''Pinafore'' were mounted in the United States almost simultaneously with the first British productions, and were great successes.  

In the early years the United States did not recognize British copyrights. Unauthorized productions of works such as ''Pinafore'' were mounted in the United States almost simultaneously with the first British productions, and were great successes.