A Most Ingenious Paradox: The Art of Gilbert and Sullivan

by Gayden Wren

Overview

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

ISBN-13:	9780195301724
Publisher:	Oxford University Press
Publication date:	02/02/2006
Edition description:	New Edition
Pages:	416
Product dimensions:	6.32(w) x 9.18(h) x 1.11(d)
Lexile:	1310L (what's this?)

About the Author

Gayden Wren is the entertainment editor for The New York Times Syndicate and artistic director of the New Punctuation Army, Inc. He is also a playwright whose produced works include A Gilbert & Sullivan Christmas Carol (1994) and Very Truly Yours, Gilbert & Sullivan (1997).

Table of Contents

Introduction1. Gilbert before Sullivan2. Sullivan before Gilbert3. Thespis4. Trial by Jury5. The Sorcerer6. H.M.S. Pinafore7. The Pirates of Penzance8. Patience9. Iolanthe10. Princess Ida11. The Mikado12. Ruddigore13. The Yeomen of the Guard14. The Gondoliers15. Utopia, Limited16. The Grand Duke17. Gilbert after Sullivan, Sullivan after Gilbert18. LegacyAppendix A: The Story of the Savoy OperasAppendix B: Revisions to RuddigoreNotesBibliographyIndex

Editorial Reviews

"There are a multitude of books about Gilbert and Sullivan...many of them, as [Wren] duly notes, are sketchy or superficial. But no one could fairly throw these adjectives at A Most Ingenious Paradox itself. Mr. Wren argues his case in impressive detail."—The Wall Street Journal

"Wren explores...with authority and brilliance."—Tim Page, The Washington Post

"Wren's book is both a fascinating read and a valuable resource."—American Theatre

"Wren's lengthy and intimate acquaintance with the works as performer, director and teacher allows him to write with affection in an uncluttered style that will please both the general reader and the scholar...Highly recommended." —Library Journal

"Essential to a full understanding and appreciation of the Gilbert & Sullivan operas...I kept nodding and thinking about most of his conclusions with 'Of course, I should have realized that years ago.'"—Brattleboro Reformer

"Wren is an excellent professor of G&S literature and makes an impressive number of points that will absorb (and sometimes annoy) advanced Savoyards."—Opera News

"Wren is a gifted writer and gives his honest views with confidence, providing clear style of presentation, clarity of description and much to get one thinking."—Classical Music Web

"Wren's analyses of The Mikado and The Gondoliers are models of their kind...Sometimes brilliant, occasionally maddening, Wren is almost unfailingly provocative."—Gramophone

"Thoughtful analyses of each of the Savoy operas...a book worth adding to your library."—G&S Bag

"A fascinating study for anyone interested in the delightful works of Gilbert & Sullivan as well as the contemporary American musical theatre..."—Recommended Books

"Gayden Wren's book is a worthwhile and long overdue attempt to get to the heart of the Savoy operas. It is thoughtful on many aspects of both words and music."—Music and Letters

"A Most Ingenious Paradox will take its place as an important study of Gilbert & Sullivan as the worlds of music, theater, and scholarship continue (sometimes reluctantly) to evaluate and then acknowledge the Savoy Operas to be the classic works they are."—Ralph MacPhail, Jr., Bridgewater College of Virginia

From the Publisher

New York Times editor Wren credits the lasting vitality of the works of Gilbert and Sullivan to their universal themes and the humanity of their characters. Those who would credit the brilliant pairing of witty language and superb music will dispute this, but Wren substantiates his claims with detailed arguments that prompt a new look at these familiar works. Although many books are available on the lives of Gilbert and Sullivan, the operas, and their place in Victorian life, there are a number of reasons to purchase this one. Wren's lengthy and intimate acquaintance with the works as performer, director, and teacher allows him to write with affection in an uncluttered style that will please both the general reader and the scholar. Beginning chapters cover each man's work prior to their collaboration, with subsequent chapters devoted to each Gilbert and Sullivan opera in chronological order and the final sections treating their later, separate work and their legacy. Plot summaries are given in an appendix, and a useful bibliography discusses the relative merits of each work. Finally, Wren illustrates Gilbert and Sullivan's complex and often adversarial relationship and its integral role in the success (or failure) of each opera. Highly recommended for academic and public libraries. Kate McCaffrey, Onondaga Cty. P.L., Syracuse, NY Copyright 2001 Cahners Business Information.

Library Journal