Sullivan, Arthur

Preface

Arthur Seymour Sullivan – Incidental Music to ‘The Merchant of Venice’

(b. 13 May 1842, London; d. London, 22 November 1900)

Introduction
Barcarolle
Introduction and Bourée
Grotesque Dance
A la Valse
Melodrama
Finale

The artist and theatrical producer Charles Calvert had successfully used Sullivan’s music to Shakespeare’s The Tempest in 1864, so he commissioned Sullivan to contribute to two more Shakespearean scores – for The Merchant of Venice and Henry VIII. The production of Merchant opened on 19 September at Prince’s Theatre, Manchester, and the music was repeated at the Crystal Palace on 28 October, conducted by August Manns.

Sullivan’s music occurs during the masque at the end of Act 2, and George Grove wrote this programme note for the Crystal Palace performance: “At the commencement of the scene, when the music begins, the stage is empty and night is approaching. The distant cry of the gondoliers echoing along the canals, and the voices of the masquers as they approach nearer and nearer are all depicted in the music. A lover serenades his mistress, the masquers gradually throng the ground, and the revelry begins. The dances are first a bourée, the old-fashioned heavy measure, next a grotesque dance for Pierrots and Harlequins, and thirdly am general dance in modern waltz rhythm. Night has settled down on the scene when Jessica makes her escape; after this the fun waxes furious, and amidst the glare of torches, the glitter of coloured lanterns, and the shouts and songs of the revellers, the curtain descends.”

Phillip Brookes, 2022

For performance material please contact Hansen, Copenhagen. Reprint of a copy from the collection Phillip Brookes, Roxas City.

Read German preface > HERE