Gilbert; who wrote the words; created fanciful ldquo;topsy-turvyrdquo; worlds for these operas where each absurdity is taken to its logical conclusionmdash;fairies rub elbows with British lords; flirting is a capital offence; gondoliers ascend to the monarchy; and pirates turn out to be noblemen who have gone wrong. Sullivan; six years Gilbertrsquo;s junior; composed the music; contributing memorable melodies that could convey both humour and pathos. Their operas have enjoyed broad and enduring international success and are still performed frequently throughout the English-speaking world. Gilbert and Sullivan introduced innovations in content and form that directly influenced the development of musical theatre through the 20th century. The operas have also influenced political discourse; literature; film and television and have been widely parodied and pastiched by humourists. Producer Richard Drsquo;Oyly Carte brought Gilbert and Sullivan together and nurtured their collaboration. He built the Savoy Theatre in 1881 to present their joint works (which came to be known as the Savoy Operas) and founded the Drsquo;Oyly Carte Opera Company; which performed and promoted Gilbert and Sullivanrsquo;s works for over a century.
#3564609 in eBooks 2013-10-01 2013-10-01File Name: B0166UNTEG
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