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The Worlds of Gilbert and Sullivan

Whilst in Germany Arthur made many friends, including fellow student, Edvard Grieg. He studied the modern music of Felix Mendelssohn, Richard Wagner, and of Franz Schubert and Robert Schumann. In August 1860 a great storm inspired him to write music to Shakespeare’s play ‘The Tempest’, which shot him to overnight fame. Inspired and encouraged by his new-found heroes, including Franz Liszt – who also introduced him to the art of gambling – Arthur’s future as a composer (and gambler!) was assured.

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Yet of Beauty I'm a Judge . . .!
William’s first real literary success came at 25 when the magazine ‘Fun’ enthusiastically accepted a humorous article and drawing. His famous Bab Ballads (source of some G&S operas) came through this medium. On 6 August 1867,at the  age of twenty-nine he married Lucy Agnes Turner, the seventeen-year-old daughter of an Indian Army Officer. Throughout his life he called her 'Kitten'. This is his (first?) sketch of her. His first successful play (one of many) ‘Dulcamara’ was written in one week when he was thirty.

He is an Englishman!
Arthur’s great love for Rachel (photo on right) inspired many songs and hymns¹ and fostered several unfulfilled ambitions. When they they were forced to part, he went to his father's home - Ireland -  where he produced a cantata ‘Kenilworth’ which placed him in the front rank of English composers.

'Tis but a Little Word "Heighho!"
Meanwhile William's skill with words earned him a considerable fortune. He wrote many successful plays, invariably dealing with fairies and the supernatural. A stickler for detail and quality, he perfected the art of dramatic production. Described as the ‘father of modern play production’, his influence on stagecraft was enormous.

Footnote!  Find out more about Sullivan’s hymns. Return to story.

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