Gilbert and Sullivan 13 April

“When addressing an assembly of Rotarians” – Ian Bradley’s first words to the Club were sung, not spoken, and echoed likewise by his audience in an adaptation of the policemen’s song from “The Pirates of Penance”. It was a delightful introduction to those creators of “innocent merriment”, Gilbert and Sullivan. Ian’s love of G&S began aged 11 when he was taken to a production of “Iolanthe”, since when he has become a leading authority on the duo. He explained how their fusion of opera with music hall produced a new genre, without which we might never have had such later partnerships between composer and librettist as Rodgers and Hammerstein or Lerner and Loewe. “Trial by Jury”, the first significant collaboration between Gilbert and Sullivan, in 1875, led to an immediate demand for new work by the pair, which they met with such enduring favourites as “H.M.S. Pinafore” and “Patience”.  “Iolanthe” made theatrical history in 1882 when it became the first show to open simultaneously in London and New York. The two men were very different temperamentally. Gilbert was irascible and pessimistic by nature, outings to the theatre having been one of the few pleasures of an unhappy childhood, whereas Sullivan had a markedly sunny disposition. However, having been regarded early in his career as England’s answer to Beethoven or Brahms, it may have been a disappointment to Sullivan that he is primarily remembered for operettas rather than for his symphonic and religious music. Among the reasons for the enduring success of G&S is the prominence of the chorus, which affords so much opportunity for amateur groups, such as the University G&S Society here in St Andrews, with whom Ian has himself performed on many occasions. He ended, as he had begun, in song. Gordon Wowk did not attempt to emulate that with his vote of thanks but did weave together various quotations from G&S and concluded that there was “No probable, possible shadow of doubt” that Ian had succeeded in entertaining this audience.

Parity of words and music is one reason for the enduring appeal of G&S.