OPERA SEARCH
The Savoyards
(1971)Libretto by Donald Madgwick (E)
S,M,A,2T,T/Bar,5Bar,B,speaker; chorus; ballet
2(II=picc).1.1.1-1.1.1.0-timp.perc:BD/cyms/SD/tgl/glsp/tamb/cast-
strings
Abbreviations (PDF)
Boosey & Hawkes
London
Robert Horsfall, director
Conductor: Brian Goodwin
Company: Barclays Bank Operatic Society
| W.S. GILBERT | Baritone |
| ARTHUR SULLIVAN | Tenor |
| RICHARD D'OYLY CARTE | Baritone |
| HELEN LENOIR, Carte's secretary, later his wife | Mezzo-Soprano |
| LUCY GILBERT, Gilbert's wife | Soprano |
| ANNE GILBERT, Gilbert's mother | Contralto |
| WILLIAM GILBERT SENIOR, Gilbert's father | Bass |
| CLEMENT SCOTT, a Drama critic | Baritone |
| FREDERIC CLAY, a composer | non-singing role |
| GEORGE GROSSMITH, an entertainer | Baritone |
| RUTLAND BARRINGTON, an entertainer | Bass |
| A THEATRE MANAGER (can double with Grossmith) | Baritone |
| SAUNDERS, Gilbert's manservant | Tenor |
| POLICEMAN | Baritone or Tenor |
| Citizens, Club members and Officials, Reporters, Ladies and Gentlemen of the Savoy Theatre Chorus | SATB |
London, between 1869-1893
A new extravaganza with music by Frederic Clay and a libretto by W.S. Gilbert is being premiered. Clay introduces Gilbert to his colleague, the composer Arthur Sullivan. At the offices of the impresario Richard D'Oyly Carte, his secretary Helen Lenoir sees the potential of this new partnership: they try their luck with Thespis, which proves a moderate success, then go their separate ways. Fast forward to 1875, when Carte suggests another collaboration, and Trial by Jury is an enormous hit. The triumvirate is established, and goes from strength to strength, despite occasional differences. The Savoy Operas become a national institution and an international money-spinner, until in 1888 a quarrel over the costs of a new carpet for the foyer of the Savoy breaks the partnership, and ends up in court. Eventually, relations are resumed, and G&S return to the Savoy in 1893 with Utopia Ltd. All – including Gilbert's wife and parents, and Helen (now married to D'Oyly Carte) – celebrate the much-desired reunion.
Comic