Product Description

Written more than a century ago and initially regarded even by their creators as nothing more than light entertainment, the fourteen operas of Gilbert & Sullivan emerged over the course of the twentieth century as the world's most popular body of musical-theater works, ranking second only to Shakespeare in the history of English-language theater. Despite this resounding popularity and proven longevity, most books written about the duo have focused on the authors rather than the works. With this detailed examination of all fourteen operas, Gayden Wren fills the void. His bold thesis finds the key to the operas' longevity, not in the clever lyrics, witty dialogue, or catchy music, but in the central themes underlying the characters and stories themselves. Like Shakespeare's comedies, Wren shows, the operas of Gilbert & Sullivan endure because of their timeless themes, which speak to audiences as powerfully now as they did the first time they were performed. Written out of an abiding love for the Savoy operas, this volume is essential reading for any devotee of these enchanting works, or indeed for anyone who loves musical theater.

Product Details

• Amazon Sales Rank: #184637 in Books
• Published on: 2006-03-02
• Original language: English
• Number of items: 1
• Binding: Paperback
• 416 pages

Review
Gayden Wren's book is a worthwhile and long overdue attempt to get to the heart of the Savoy operas. Music and Letters Sometimes brilliant, occasionally maddening, Wren is almost unfailingly provocative. Gramophone Wren writes with instructive insight on each work ... His assessments of aspects of character are fascinating ... Wren's analysis of The Mikado and The Gondoliers are models of their kind. Gramophone Wren's writing is clear, concise and always readable. Insightful and entertaining this is a highly recommended book. Theatre Notebook Fresh and detailed ... exploration of the development of character in the operas is one of the book's greatest strengths ... peppered with humorous insights. Theatre Notebook Wren is at his strongest when dealing with characterisation. It is fascinating to read what cultural insights he finds in his discussion of the venerable British institution of G&S ... Those producing the operas wishing to reassess their interpretation of the characters will find much to set their minds ticking. William McVicker, Classical Music Mr Wren is, in short, the very model of a modern literary critic - sometimes pretentious, often irritating, but impressively forceful in his knowledge of the text and attention to detail. Rupert Christiansen, Spectator A well thought-out, forthright and engagingly written book which will be invaluable to anyone staging Gilbert and Sullivan, to anyone who wants to increase their knowledge of their works, and might even convince those who do not like G&S that it is worth trying. Opera Now

Theatre Notebook
"Wren's writing is clear, concise and always readable. Insightful and entertaining this is a highly recommended book."

Music and Letters
"Gayden Wren's book is a worthwhile and long overdue attempt to get to the heart of the Savoy operas."