The Yeomen of the Guard, Gilbert & Sullivan
Title | The Yeomen of the Guard or The Merryman and his Maid |
English Title | |
Composer | Arthur Sullivan |
Librettists | William Gilbert |
Language | English, Dutch translation available |
Genre | Light opera. Two acts |
First performance | 1 October 1888, Savoy Theatre, London |
Time of action | Sixteenth century |
Place of action | Tower Green, London |
Main parts |
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Prominence of chorus | Large |
Orchestra | 2 flutes, 1 oboe, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 2 horns, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones, timpani/percussion, strings |
Special demands | The work contains passages for double chorus. Performing companies should have a considerable number of men. |
Full score and orchestral parts | Available |
Level | It is one of the more taxing Gilbert & Sullivan works, but experienced amateurs should be able to tackle it. |
Length | About 2½ hours. Two acts. |
Music |
In this work the composer rises to unprecedented heights. Splendid numbers for chorus and double-chorus (a riot, a near-beheading, a chorus for ladies scoffing at the Yeomen, a wedding etc.) are alternated by ensembles and solos that bear witness of the composer’s genius (a spinning-wheel song, the two ballads of the condemned man, magnificent coloraturas, a dreamy madrigal etc.) |
Story |
An executioner in love, a jester whose jests are unappreciated, a condemned man who escapes; self-sacrifice, deceit, unanswered love and blackmail – such are the ingredients of this unique opera. |
Costumes | Sixteenth-century costumes, beef-eaters’ uniforms (at least twelve, for four-part male chorus) |
Note | |
Pictures | |
Link | Wikipedia |
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