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The Worlds of Gilbert and Sullivan

This beautiful song from Iolanthe contains several surprises. It is sung by the Fairy Queen (contralto) and the Fairy chorus (sopranos and altos).

The Queen is admonishing herself for being weak by falling in love with a mere mortal - Private Willis of the Grenadier Guards. The Captain Shaw referred to in the second verse was the famous (almost heroic) Chief of the very first Metropolitan London Fire Brigade. The Great Fire of London was still fresh in people's minds, and he had created the first public fire fighting force in the City. He was an honoured guest in the premier audience. Picture the scene when the Fairy Queen appealed to him personally (in this song) from the stage on the opening night!

So, it's on stage contraltos and give it your best shot. It doesn't matter if you are not a contralto - have a go anyway.

Oh, Foolish Fay

Queen solo:  Oh, Foolish Fay, 
Think you, because
His brave array
My bosom thaws,
I'd disobey
Our fairy laws?
Because I fly
In realms above
In tendency
To fall in love,
Resemble I
The amorous dove?
Resemble I
The amorous dove?

Oh, amorous dove!
Type of Ovidius Naso!
This heart of mine
Is soft as thine,
Although I dare not say so!

Fairy Chorus:  Oh, amorous dove!
Type of Ovidius Naso!

Queen aside:  This heart of mine
Is soft as thine,
Although I dare not say so!

Queen solo:  On fire that glows
With heat intense
I turn the hose of 
Of common sense,
And out it goes
At small expense!
We must maintain
Our fairy law;
That is the main
On which to draw - 
In that we gain
A Captain Shaw!
In that we gain
A Captain Shaw!

Queen aside:  Oh, Captain Shaw!
Type of true love kept under!
Could thy Brigade
With cold cascade
Quench my great love, I wonder!

Fairy Chorus:  Oh, Captain Shaw!
Type of true love kept under!

Queen aside:  Could thy Brigade
With cold cascade
Quench my great love, I wonder!
Fairy Chorus (with Queen):  I wonder!

It's a wonderful song (with Gilbert's fun, and Arthur's lovely romantic music) isn't it? Hope you sang our MusicSmiles arrangement with feeling! 

Go on, give it another go . . .!

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