|
|
| Artist: John Hassal, English (1868 - 1948) |
|
Item: RP.21
|
| Title: The Gondoliers |
Description: Condition
A
Original vintage poster, backed on Linen
Printed by David Allen & Sons, London 1893 |
| Size: |
31 1/2 in x 48 1/2 in |
| |
80 x 123 cm |
|
| Terms of Sale |
Price: $1650.00 USD
On Sale: $950.00 |
|
"The Gondoliers, was produced at the Savoy Theatre on Saturday,
7 December, 1889, and is doubly famous among the operas; in the first
place for possessing perhaps the most sparkling and tuneful music
of them all, and secondly for being the last opera to be produced
before the lamentable and unnecessary quarrel between the great triumvirate—Gilbert,
Sullivan and D'Oyly Carte.
The story of 'The Gondoliers', which satirizes snobbery in all grades
of society, follows Gilbert's favourite theme of topsy-turvydom. "I
am told", said he, "that the public like the topsy-turvy best, so
this time they are going to get it".
One of two just-married gondoliers is the King of Barataria, but no
one knows which one. As Barataria needs a king to put down unrest
in the country, they travel there to reign jointly, leaving their
wives behind.
After the first brilliant performance Gilbert wrote his appreciation
to Sullivan—"I must thank you again," said he, "for the magnificent
work you have put into this piece. It gives one a chance of shining
right through the Twentieth Century with a reflected light"
The Gondoliers" ran for 554 consecutive performances and was honoured
by a Command Performance before Queen Victoria at Windsor Castle in
March, 1891. Unfortunately, while to the outside world all seemed
to be running smoothly, a storm in a teacup was brewing. D'Oyly Carte,
as Manager, had purchased a new carpet for the front of the house,
the cost, among other items, being charged to the joint account. Gilbert
considered the expenditure of £140 gross extravagance but Sullivan,
on being consulted, raised no objection and sided with Carte; whereupon
Gilbert went to law against Carte and Sullivan—and lost the case.
As the operas probably reached their zenith with the production of
"The Gondoliers", which for sparkle, buoyancy and sheer delight in
absurdity surpasses them all, it is the more to be regretted that
their quarrel should have taken place at such a time." (Gilbert
& Sullivan Archive) |
|
Gallery |
News |
History |
About Us |
Contact |
Links 
Search
»
