Perhaps at
times there was a suspicion of weariness in Mr. Gilbert's wit, and some
of Sullivan's melodies had not all the old distinction of manner, but
the piece was an incarnation of liveliness and gaiety, and its success
rivalled the historic glories of 'The Mikado.' With 'The Gondoliers'
came the first solution of continuity in the Gilbert and Sullivan
partnership. Differences arose; Mr. Gilbert retired from the councils of
the Savoy Theatre, and Sullivan had to look out for a new collaborator.
He found one in Mr. Sydney Grundy, and their 'Haddon Hall' was produced
in 1892. In spite of charming music, reflecting very gracefully the old
English atmosphere of the story, its success was only moderate, and the
world of music was much relieved to hear that the differences between
Mr. Gilbert and the Savoy authorities had been adjusted, and that the
two famous collaborators were to join forces once more. Unfortunately
'Utopia' (1893) echoed but faintly the magical harmonies of the past.
The old enchantment was gone; the spell was shattered. Both
collaborators seemed to have lost the clue that had so often led to
triumph. Again they drifted apart, and Sullivan turned once more to his
old friend, Sir Frank Burnand. Together they produced 'The Chieftain'
(1894), a revised and enlarged version of their early indiscretion, 'The
Contrabandista.' Success still held aloof, and for the last time
Sullivan and Mr.
Pages:
349
350
351
352
353
354
355
356
357
358
359
360
361
362
363
364
365
366
367
368
369
370
371
372
373