May 13, 1842:
Arthur Seymour Sullivan is born at 8 Bolwell Terrace, off Lambeth Walk in London, United Kingdom, the second of two children born to Thomas Sullivan, clarinetist at the Royal Surrey Theatre, and Mary Clementina Coghlan, a teacher.
July 31, 1842:
Arthur Sullivan (0) is baptized in St. Mary's Parish Church, Lambeth.
April 8, 1854:
Arthur Sullivan (11), accompanied by Mr. Plees, his schoolmaster, meets Sir George Smart in London, in an attempt to enter the Chapel Royal. Smart encourages the boy and sends him to see Thomas Helmore.
April 12, 1854:
Arthur Sullivan (11) is enrolled as a chorister in the Chapel Royal.
July 4, 1856:
Arthur Sullivan (14) wins the Mendelssohn Scholarship. The prize brings one tuition-free year at the Royal Academy of Music.
September 21, 1856:
Arthur Sullivan (14) begins his studies at the Royal Academy of Music.
June 22, 1857:
Arthur Sullivan (15) is dismissed from the Chapel Royal. His voice has broken.
July 13, 1858:
An Overture in d minor by Arthur Sullivan (16) is performed for the first time, at the Royal Academy of Music. This marks the end of his studies at the Royal Academy.
May 22, 1859:
Franz Liszt (47) travels to Leipzig for the Tonkünstler-Versammlung. While there, he will meet a young student named Arthur Sullivan (17). They will play a game of whist with two other students.
May 25, 1860:
Arthur Sullivan’s (18) Rosenfest Overture is performed for the first time, in the Leipzig Gewandhaus, conducted by the composer. This is part of the year-end examination at Leipzig Conservatory.
April 6, 1861:
Incidental music to Shakespeare’s play The Tempest by Arthur Sullivan (18) is performed for the first time, directed by the composer at a graduation concert for the Leipzig Conservatory. See 15 October 1864.
April 10, 1861:
Arthur Sullivan (18) receives a diploma from Leipzig Conservatory. He will soon return home.
April 5, 1862:
A performance of Arthur Sullivan’s (19) incidental music to The Tempest at the Crystal Palace wins universal approval and catapults Sullivan into the public consciousness. “It is no exaggeration to say that I woke up the next morning and found myself famous.” See 6 April 1861.
March 10, 1863:
Arthur Sullivan’s (20) Procession March for orchestra is performed for the first time, in the Crystal Palace, London on the day of the wedding of the Prince of Wales to Princess Alexandra of Denmark.
March 14, 1863:
The Princess of Wales’s March, a collection of Danish airs arranged by Arthur Sullivan (20) in honor of Princess Alexandra of Denmark, is performed for the first time, at the Crystal Palace. The Prince of Wales and his new wife, Princess Alexandra, are present.
May 14, 1864:
L’île enchantée, a ballet by Arthur Sullivan (22) to a scenario of Desplaces, is performed for the first time, at Covent Garden Theatre, London. It plays after a complete performance of Bellini’s (†28) La sonnambula.
September 8, 1864:
Kenilworth, a masque by Arthur Sullivan (22) to words of Chorley, is performed for the first time, at Birmingham Town Hall.
October 15, 1864:
Arthur Sullivan’s (22) incidental music to Shakespeare’s The Tempest is used for the first time in a staging of the play, in the Prince’s Theatre, Manchester. See 6 April 1861.
April 11, 1865:
Arthur Sullivan (22) is initiated into the Masons at the Lodge of Harmony in Richmond, Surrey.
March 10, 1866:
The “Irish” Symphony of Arthur Sullivan (23) is performed for the first time, in the Crystal Palace, London, the composer conducting. It is well received by all.
May 26, 1866:
Cox and Box, or The Long-Lost Brothers, an operetta by Arthur Sullivan (24) to words of Burnand after Morton, is performed for the first time in the home of London businessman Arthur Lewis, privately with piano accompaniment. See 11 May 1867.
July 11, 1866:
Arthur Sullivan (24) conducts an orchestral concert in St. James’ Hall of music written mostly by himself. His mentor from Leipzig, Ignaz Moscheles, is present and in his honor, Sullivan programs Moscheles’ Recollections of Ireland for piano and orchestra. The concert is a triumph and helps to establish Sullivan as composer and conductor.
October 30, 1866:
In memoriam, an overture by Arthur Sullivan (24), is performed for the first time, in St. Andrew's Hall, Norwich. It is in memory of his father, who died five weeks ago.
November 24, 1866:
A Concerto for cello and orchestra by Arthur Sullivan (24) is performed for the first time, in the Crystal Palace, London.
April 13, 1867:
Excerpts from The Sapphire Necklace, an opera by Arthur Sullivan (24) to words of Chorley, are performed for the first time, at the Crystal Palace, London.
May 11, 1867:
Cox and Box, or The Long-Lost Brothers, a comic opera by Arthur Sullivan to words of Burnand after Morton, is performed publicly for the first time, at the Adelphi Theatre, London, two days before the composer’s 25th birthday. See 26 May 1866.
June 3, 1867:
Arthur Sullivan’s (25) overture Marmion is performed for the first time, at St. James’ Hall, London.
July 28, 1867:
Arthur Sullivan (25) and Rachel Scott Russell announce their intention to marry, to the great dismay of her mother. Sullivan is banned from the house.
October 5, 1867:
Arthur Sullivan (25) and George Grove arrive in Vienna in search of the lost music to Franz Schubert’s (†38) Rosamunde.
December 18, 1867:
The Contrabandista, or the Law of the Ladrones, an operetta by Arthur Sullivan (25) to words of Burnand, is performed for the first time, at St. George’s Hall, London.
April 9, 1868:
Arthur Sullivan (25) reaches a favorable agreement with Boosey’s who must pay him £400 per year for three years, without prejudice to his royalties, for the privilege of publishing rights to his works.
April 16, 1868:
Rejoice in the Lord, an anthem by Arthur Sullivan (25), is performed for the first time, in Westminster Abbey.
March 13, 1869:
Arthur Sullivan (26) is formally presented to Queen Victoria at Buckingham Palace.
September 8, 1869:
The Prodigal Son, an oratorio by Arthur Sullivan (27) to his own words after the Bible, is performed for the first time, in Worcester.
July 11, 1870:
A shortened version of Ages Ago, a play by William S. Gilbert, is produced in London. During the rehearsals, the playwright met Arthur Sullivan (27), probably for the first time.
August 31, 1870:
Overture di ballo by Arthur Sullivan (28) is performed for the first time, in Birmingham, conducted by the composer.
May 1, 1871:
In the first important musical evening in Royal Albert Hall, Gallia: lamentation, a motet for soprano, chorus, orchestra, and organ by Charles Gounod (52) to his own words, is performed for the first time, for the opening of the London International Exhibition. Also on the program is the premiere of On Shore and Sea, a cantata by Arthur Sullivan (28) to words of Taylor. Both composers conduct their own works.
September 19, 1871:
Incidental music to Shakespeare’s play The Merchant of Venice by Arthur Sullivan (29) is performed for the first time, in Prince’s Theatre, Manchester.
December 26, 1871:
Thespis, or The Gods Grown Old, an operetta by Arthur Sullivan (29) to words of Gilbert, is performed for the first time, at the Gaiety Theatre, London. The first night audience does not approve, it will never be revived, never published and the score will be lost. But it does receive 64 performances. This marks the first collaboration in the often stormy association of the two artists who will come to dominate the English musical stage.
May 1, 1872:
Te Deum and Domine salvam fac reginam for chorus and orchestra by Arthur Sullivan (29) is performed for the first time, in the Crystal Palace, London, as part of a day of national thanksgiving for the recovery of the Prince of Wales from typhoid.
August 27, 1873:
The Light of the World, an oratorio by Arthur Sullivan (31) to words of the Bible selected by the composer, is performed for the first time, in Birmingham, conducted by the composer. The audience, which includes the Duke of Edinburgh, is very appreciative.
December 19, 1874:
Incidental music to Shakespeare’s play The Merry Wives of Windsor by Arthur Sullivan (32) is performed for the first time, in the Gaiety Theatre, London.
February 20, 1875:
Pursuaded by Richard D’Oyly Carte, WS Gilbert visits Arthur Sullivan (33) at his home in Victoria Street, London. He reads to Sullivan his libretto to an operetta called Trial By Jury “in the manner of a man considerably disappointed with what he had written . As soon as he had come to the last word he closed up the manuscript violently, apparently unconscious of the fact he had achieved his purpose so far as I was concerned, inasmuch as I was screaming with laughter the whole time.”
March 25, 1875:
Trial By Jury, an operetta by Arthur Sullivan (32) to words of Gilbert, is performed for the first time, at the Royalty Theatre, London conducted by the composer. It is actually the third work on the program being preceded by a one-act farce called Cryptoconchoidsyphonostomata and a complete performance of La Périchole by Jacques Offenbach (55). Despite the programming, it is an immediate success and runs for 131 performances. The part of the judge is played by the composer’s brother, Frederic.
June 5, 1875:
The Zoo, an operetta by Arthur Sullivan (33) to words of Rowe (pseud. of Stephenson), is performed for the first time, at St. James’ Theatre, London. Also on the program is Tom Cobb, a play by WS Gilbert.
November 16, 1875:
Arthur Sullivan (33) gives his first performance as conductor of the Glasgow Choral Union.
January 13, 1876:
Arthur Sullivan (33) writes to the Duke of Edinburgh accepting the position of principal of the National Training School for music.
May 17, 1876:
The new National Training School for Music begins operations in London, under the leadership of Arthur Sullivan (34).
June 1, 1876:
Cambridge University confers an honorary Doctor of Music degree on Arthur Sullivan (34).
January 18, 1877:
With the death of his brother Fred, bachelor Arthur Sullivan (34) becomes the breadwinner for Fred’s widow and seven children.
July 4, 1877:
WS Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan (35) sign a contract with the Comedy Opera Company to produce a new two-act operetta.
August 29, 1877:
Incidental music to Shakespeare’s play Henry VIII by Arthur Sullivan (35) is performed for the first time, in the Theatre Royal, Manchester.
November 17, 1877:
The Sorcerer, an operetta by Arthur Sullivan (35) to words of Gilbert, is performed for the first time, at the Opera Comique Theatre, London, conducted by the composer. The first two-act collaboration of Gilbert and Sullivan is a definite success with the audience and critics and receives 178 performances.
May 25, 1878:
HMS Pinafore, or The Lass that Loved a Sailor, an operetta by Arthur Sullivan (36) to words of Gilbert, is performed for the first time, in the Opera Comique Theatre, London, the composer conducting. The public is appreciative but the reviews are decidedly mixed. Many comment that Sullivan is wasting his talent on such trivialities. However, the play will run 571 performances.
May 31, 1878:
SMS König Wilhelm of the Germany Royal Navy accidentally rams SMS Großer Kurfürst off Folkestone. The Großer Kurfürst goes down quickly, taking about 270 crewmen with her. Severely damaged, the König Wilhelm makes for Portsmouth for repairs. On his way to Paris, Arthur Sullivan (36) witnesses the entire event.
August 24, 1878:
At a promenade concert at Covent Garden, Arthur Sullivan (36) conducts a compilation of music from HMS Pinafore by Hamilton Clarke. The music is extremely popular with the public and the press and will ensure the success of the operetta currently in production.
September 23, 1878:
Richard D’Oyly Carte takes WS Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan (36) to the spot on the Strand in London where he proposes to build his theatre to produce their operettas.
June 19, 1879:
Oxford University confers a Doctor of Music degree on Arthur Sullivan (37).
November 5, 1879:
WS Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan (37) arrive in New York aboard the Cunard steamer Bothnia to a tumultuous welcome. They will produce HMS Pinafore and a new operetta yet to be named (The Pirates of Penzance).
November 23, 1879:
Arthur Sullivan (37) conducts his The Prodigal Son with the Handel and Haydn Society, in Boston.
December 1, 1879:
Arthur Sullivan (37) conducts the first “authentic” production of HMS Pinafore in the United States, in the Fifth Avenue Theatre, New York. The librettist sings in the chorus. It is “a success unparalleled in New York,” writes Sullivan to his mother.
December 30, 1879:
The Pirates of Penzance, or The Slave of Duty, an operetta by Arthur Sullivan (37) to words of Gilbert, is performed for the first time, in the Royal Bijou Theatre, Paignton, 40 km east of Plymouth. It is given by one of Richard D’Oyly Carte’s touring companies and is missing important music that Sullivan has only recently composed in New York. The singers had to learn it so quickly that the police enter in the second act not with lanterns but with copies of the music. This performance is given only to secure the British copyright.
December 31, 1879:
Arthur Sullivan (37) opens The Pirates of Penzance in New York, to great success.
February 23, 1880:
Arthur Sullivan (37) is presented to Lord Lorne, Governor-General of Canada at Government House, Ottawa.
March 3, 1880:
Gilbert and Sullivan (37) sail from New York aboard the Gallia bound for England. The American productions of HMS Pinafore and The Pirates of Penzance have been highly successful, including three touring companies.
April 3, 1880:
Four months after the New York premiere, The Pirates of Penzance by WS Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan (37) opens in London at the Opéra-Comique. It will run 363 performances.
June 30, 1880:
20 prominent British composers gather in the London apartment of Arthur Sullivan (38). Under his chairmanship, they resolve that composers should claim their rights against offers of lump sums from publishers. Nothing substantive will happen in this area until 1913.
October 15, 1880:
The Martyr of Antioch, a sacred music drama by Arthur Sullivan (38) to words of Gilbert after Milman, is performed for the first time, in Leeds, conducted by the composer. The work is presented before the dedicatee, the Duke of Edinburgh. Reviews are lukewarm.
April 21, 1881:
Arthur Sullivan (38) completes the overture to Patience and gives it to Eugene d’Albert to score. He is a 17-year-old music student.
April 23, 1881:
Patience, or Bunthorne’s Bride, an operetta by Arthur Sullivan (38) to words of Gilbert, is performed for the first time, at the Opera Comique Theatre, London. Oscar Wilde is in the audience “looking forward to being amused.” The initial run of 578 performances is the longest of any Gilbert and Sullivan operetta, save The Mikado.
October 10, 1881:
Richard D’Oyly Carte opens his new Savoy Theatre in London with a production of Patience by Gilbert and Sullivan (39). The building has been erected to accommodate the immense popularity of the Gilbert and Sullivan operas. In honor of the event, Arthur Sullivan conducts the performance personally. The auditorium is illuminated by electricity. See 28 December 1881.
October 19, 1881:
WS Gilbert visits Arthur Sullivan (39) in his London home with a vague idea for an operetta including fairies and the House of Lords (Iolanthe).
December 28, 1881:
The Savoy Theatre becomes the first theatre to be entirely illuminated by electricity. One gaslight is kept burning, in case the experiment in electricity fails. Between the acts of Patience by Gilbert and Sullivan (39), the impresario, Richard D’Oyly Carte comes on stage and demonstrates the safety of electricity. He has an electric light wrapped in muslin and smashed to demonstrate that it can not cause fire with drapery. The audience is impressed and duly applauds. See 10 October 1881.
December 31, 1881:
Arthur Sullivan (39) reaches Port Said on a tour of Egypt and Italy.
April 18, 1882:
Arthur Sullivan (39) returns to London from a four-month tour of Egypt and Italy and immediately takes up residence at 1 Queen’s Mansions. He will live here for the rest of his life.
November 24, 1882:
07:00 Arthur Sullivan (40) completes the overture to Iolanthe one day before the premiere. It is the first Gilbert and Sullivan overture that he writes in its entirety.
November 25, 1882:
Iolanthe, or The Peer and the Peri, an operetta by Arthur Sullivan (40) to words of Gilbert, is performed for the first time, in the Savoy Theatre, London. This is the first Gilbert and Sullivan premiere in the new theatre. It is received with overwhelming approval and will receive 398 performances. Just before leaving for the theatre, Sullivan receives a letter from his friend and broker, Edward Hall, that Hall is ruined and all the money Sullivan had in mining shares is lost. It amounts to about £7,000.
February 8, 1883:
Arthur Sullivan (40), WS Gilbert, and Richard D’Oyly Carte sign a five-year contract in London. Gilbert and Sullivan will receive one-third of the profits from their operettas, after expenses and annual rental.
May 3, 1883:
Arthur Sullivan (40) receives a letter from Prime Minister Gladstone offering him a knighthood. He will accept.
May 7, 1883:
The Royal College of Music is officially opened in London by the Prince of Wales. The Prince takes the occasion to publicly announce a knighthood for Arthur Sullivan (40).
May 13, 1883:
To celebrate his 41st birthday, Arthur Sullivan has an elaborate telephone system installed in his home so his dinner guests may hear selections from Iolanthe sung by the opera company hired specifically for this purpose. Among the guests are the Prince of Wales, the Duke of Edinburgh, WS Gilbert, and Baron Ferdinand de Rothschild.
May 22, 1883:
Arthur Sullivan (41) is knighted at Windsor Castle by Queen Victoria.
January 5, 1884:
Princess Ida, or Castle Adamant, an operetta by Arthur Sullivan (41) to words of Gilbert after Tennyson, is performed for the first time, in the Savoy Theatre, London. Sullivan, in great muscular pain, receives an injection of morphine just before leaving for the theatre and black coffee to keep him awake. After the performance, he nearly faints and he is taken home by friends and put to bed. The operetta is well received and goes on to 246 performances.
January 29, 1884:
Richard D’Oyly Carte visits Arthur Sullivan (41) at Sullivan’s London home. Sullivan informs Carte that he will not write any more operas for the Savoy Theatre.
March 22, 1884:
As Princess Ida appears to be waning in the public interest, Richard D’Oyly Carte writes to both Arthur Sullivan (41) and WS Gilbert invoking their contract with him. He gives them six months notice of the need for a new opera.
March 28, 1884:
Arthur Sullivan (41) writes to Richard D’Oyly Carte that he can no longer collaborate with Gilbert.
April 7, 1884:
Arthur Sullivan (41) writes to WS Gilbert, rejecting his latest libretto, the “Lozenge Plot.”
April 10, 1884:
WS Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan (41) meet at Sullivan’s London home. They argue for two hours over the “Lozenge Plot” without resolution.
May 8, 1884:
WS Gilbert writes to Arthur Sullivan (41) agreeing to drop the “Lozenge Plot” idea and to construct a new libretto on a new theme. Sullivan responds that he will set any libretto Gilbert produces, as long as there are no supernatural elements.
May 20, 1884:
WS Gilbert sends Arthur Sullivan (42) a sketch for a new operetta called The Mikado. Sullivan is delighted.
November 20, 1884:
WS Gilbert presents Arthur Sullivan (42) with the libretto to The Mikado over dinner at the Gilbert residence in London. Sullivan is pleased and makes suggestions for revision.
February 26, 1885:
Arthur Sullivan (42) appears for the first time as conductor of the Philharmonic Society.
March 11, 1885:
Arthur Sullivan (42) completes the music to The Mikado.
March 14, 1885:
The Mikado, or The Town of Titipu, an operetta by Arthur Sullivan (42) to words of Gilbert, is performed for the first time, in the Savoy Theatre, London conducted by the composer. Among the audience are the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh and Prince Louis Alexander of Battenberg. As is his custom, the librettist walks the streets of London during the premiere. The work is phenomenally successful and will see 672 performances.
June 20, 1885:
Arthur Sullivan (43) departs London for Liverpool where he will board ship for America. Soon to sail are Richard D’Oyly Carte and a complete cast for The Mikado traveling under assumed names. Carte wants to bring an authentic production to New York before pirates can mount theirs.
June 29, 1885:
Arthur Sullivan (43) arrives in New York from Liverpool, intending to visit his family in California.
July 12, 1885:
Arthur Sullivan (43) boards a train in New York making for San Francisco.
July 13, 1885:
Arthur Sullivan (43) arrives in Chicago. He finds it “new, handsome, and bustling, and...utterly uninteresting.”
July 15, 1885:
Arthur Sullivan (43) reaches Denver. He plays the organ in the cathedral for “a small select audience.”
July 18, 1885:
Arthur Sullivan (43) reaches Salt Lake City. He swims in the Salt Lake but pronounces it “too buoyant.”
July 19, 1885:
Arthur Sullivan (43) attends 14:00 Sunday service in the Mormon Tabernacle.
July 20, 1885:
Arthur Sullivan (43) arrives in San Francisco.
July 24, 1885:
Arthur Sullivan (43) takes the overnight train from San Francisco to Los Angeles where he visits his brother’s children, now living with their stepfather, their mother having died in January.
August 4, 1885:
Arthur Sullivan (43) and several family members set out from Los Angeles for a nine-day journey into the Yosemite Valley.
August 18, 1885:
The D’Oyly Carte production of The Mikado is put on in New York five days ahead of schedule to beat out a pirate production. The cast traveled under assumed names so as not to arouse suspicion. Arthur Sullivan (43) is currently in Los Angeles, WS Gilbert, in London.
September 3, 1885:
After six weeks visiting his brother’s children, Arthur Sullivan (43) boards a train in Los Angeles making for New York.
September 9, 1885:
Returning from his California trip, Arthur Sullivan (43) arrives by train in New York, where he is met by Richard D’Oyly Carte.
October 22, 1885:
Arthur Sullivan (43) and Richard D’Oyly Carte arrive back in Southampton from the United States.
April 1, 1886:
The Prince of Wales asks Arthur Sullivan (43) to compose an ode on words of Tennyson for the opening of the Colonial and Indian Exhibition next month. Sullivan will agree. See 4 May 1886.
April 3, 1886:
Franz Liszt (74) arrives in England for a performance of his Die Legende von der heiligen Elisabeth in honor of his 75th birthday. A reception in his honor tonight at Westwood House is attended by leading English political and artistic figures such as Arthur Sullivan (43).
May 4, 1886:
Queen Victoria officially opens the Colonial and Indian Exhibition in Royal Albert Hall, London. Ode for the Opening of the Colonial and Indian Exhibition by Arthur Sullivan (43) to words of Tennyson is performed for the first time for the event.
May 19, 1886:
Symphony no.3 op.78 by Camille Saint-Saëns (50) is performed for the first time, in St. James’ Hall, London conducted by the composer. In the same program, Saint-Saëns plays the Piano Concerto no.4 by Ludwig van Beethoven (†59) conducted by Arthur Sullivan (44).
October 16, 1886:
The Golden Legend, a cantata by Arthur Sullivan (44) to words of Bennett after Longfellow, is performed for the first time, in Leeds conducted by the composer. The work receives tremendous critical and popular acclaim.
November 5, 1886:
After dinner in his London home, WS Gilbert reads the complete libretto of Ruddygore to Arthur Sullivan (44).
January 14, 1887:
04:00 Arthur Sullivan (44) completes the music to Ruddygore.
January 22, 1887:
Ruddygore, or The Witch’s Curse, an operetta by Arthur Sullivan (44) to words of Gilbert, is performed for the first time, at the Savoy Theatre, London. The work is well-received by the audience, but some hisses are heard. Although generally positive, critics find fault with the plot, the set, and to some extent, the music. It will see 288 performances.
July 4, 1887:
Ode for the Laying of the Imperial Institute Foundation Stone by Arthur Sullivan (45) to words of Morris, is performed for the first time, in London, conducted by the composer in the presence of the Queen. The event is a glittering affair including European and Indian princes along with 10,000 people.
September 4, 1887:
After dinner at the Gilberts’ house in London, WS Gilbert reads the plot of a new operetta to Arthur Sullivan (45). It is a version of the lozenge plot and Sullivan refuses to go forward with it.
October 31, 1887:
WS Gilbert meets Arthur Sullivan (45) at a rehearsal for a revival of HMS Pinafore at the Savoy Theatre, London. He tells Sullivan that he has given up the Lozenge Plot and is now working on a libretto about the Tower of London. Sullivan is relieved.
December 12, 1887:
Arthur Sullivan (45) begins an illness that will keep him in bed for a month, during which he receives morphine injections. He doctor describes the malady as “a cold in the bladder and a swollen testicle.”
December 25, 1887:
WS Gilbert and Richard D’Oyly Carte visit Arthur Sullivan (45) in his sick bed, where he has been for two weeks. Gilbert reads the plot to a new musical set in Elizabethan England. Sullivan is pleased, especially since no magic is involved.
June 2, 1888:
Bram Stoker visits Arthur Sullivan (46) with a proposal to write incidental music for a production of Macbeth starring Henry Irving. Sullivan provisionally agrees. See 29 December 1888.
June 8, 1888:
WS Gilbert reads the second act of “The Tower Warder” to Arthur Sullivan (46) at Sullivan’s London home. He leaves the words for Sullivan to set. Sullivan is delighted.
October 3, 1888:
The Yeoman of the Guard, or The Merryman and his Maid, an operetta by Arthur Sullivan (46) to words of Gilbert, is performed for the first time, in the Savoy Theatre, London. It is a tremendous success and will see 423 performances. The author and composer argue about the arrangement of various numbers through the day. Only just before the curtain goes up is a compromise reached.
October 5, 1888:
Arthur Sullivan (46) records a brief message for Thomas Edison on his phonograph.
December 26, 1888:
Arthur Sullivan (46) completes incidental music to Macbeth.
December 29, 1888:
Incidental music to Shakespeare’s play Macbeth by Arthur Sullivan (46) is performed for the first time, in the Lyceum Theatre, London in a production by Henry Irving.
January 9, 1889:
WS Gilbert and Richard D’Oyly Carte meet Arthur Sullivan (46) at his London home. Sullivan once again expresses his wish to write opera on a grander scale with more importance given to the music. Gilbert and D’Oyly Carte agree.
June 8, 1889:
WS Gilbert reads his sketches for the plot to The Gondoliers to Arthur Sullivan (47) at Sullivan’s London home. The composer is pleased.
August 6, 1889:
The Savoy Hotel, built by Richard D'Oyly Carte, opens in London. It is the first hotel to have private bathrooms. One of the shareholders and directors is Arthur Sullivan (47).
November 8, 1889:
Arthur Sullivan (47) completes composition of The Gondoliers. Tomorrow he begins the orchestration.
November 25, 1889:
Arthur Sullivan (47) completes the orchestration to The Gondoliers.
December 7, 1889:
The Gondoliers, or the King of Barataria, an operetta by Arthur Sullivan (47) to words of Gilbert, is performed for the first time, in the Savoy Theatre, London. The work enjoys a magnificent success and goes on to 554 performances. It is their last triumph together.
January 4, 1890:
In the issue of Punch dated today, a cartoon appears showing Gilbert and Sullivan (47) as the two gondoliers of their operetta. The caption reads: Monarchs of all they Savoy.
April 22, 1890:
Arthur Sullivan (47) receives a letter from WS Gilbert attempting to enlist Sullivan’s support against Carte in the “Carpet Quarrel.”
April 26, 1890:
WS Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan (47) meet to discuss the “Carpet Quarrel.” Sullivan is unable to entirely take Gilbert’s side but suggests a cooling off period followed by a meeting with Carte to calmly discuss the situation.
May 5, 1890:
Richard D’Oyly Carte, after hearing again from Gilbert, writes to Arthur Sullivan (47) rejecting a meeting between the three of them. He believes that Gilbert is in the same frame of mind. Gilbert writes to Carte, revoking his license to perform Gilbert’s words as of Christmas 1890. Sending a copy to Sullivan, Gilbert suggests that “the time for putting an end to our collaboration has at last arrived.”
May 6, 1890:
Upon receiving Gilbert’s letter of yesterday, Arthur Sullivan (47) records in his diary, “Nothing would induce me to write again with him. How I have stood him so long I can’t understand.”
May 15, 1890:
Richard D’Oyly Carte gives interviews to the press. The breakup of Gilbert and Sullivan (48) is now public.
May 16, 1890:
Arthur Sullivan (48) receives two messages from Richard D’Oyly Carte informing him that WS Gilbert is trying to get members of the Savoy company to “secede.”
August 20, 1890:
The case of Gilbert v. Carte comes to court. Gilbert’s attorney asks for a week’s extension in order to add Arthur Sullivan (48) as a defendant. It is granted.
September 3, 1890:
An arrangement is reached in the famous Carpet Quarrel, wherein Arthur Sullivan (48) and Richard D’Oyly Carte are co-defendants in William S. Gilbert’s suit. Carte will send Gilbert £1,000 but Carte is not required to change his business practices. The four-an-one half months of bickering and personal attacks over carpets worth £140 has destroyed a relationship which, in the last eleven years, has produced £90,000 and several masterpieces of comic opera.
December 13, 1890:
Arthur Sullivan (48) completes his grand opera, Ivanhoe.
January 31, 1891:
Ivanhoe, a romantic opera by Arthur Sullivan (48) to words of Sturgis after Scott, is performed for the first time, for the opening of the Royal English Opera House. Present are the Prince and Princess of Wales and the Duke and Duchess of Edinburgh. The work receives great initial success but the production will eventually lose money and D’Oyly Carte will have to sell the theatre.
June 30, 1891:
The Nautch Girl opens at the Savoy Theatre in London. It is the first production at the Savoy that was not written by Gilbert and Sullivan (49) since it opened in 1881.
October 12, 1891:
WS Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan (49) meet for two hours at Sullivan’s London home. A reconciliation is effected.
March 17, 1892:
Incidental music to Tennyson’s play The Foresters by Arthur Sullivan (49) is performed for the first time, in Daly’s Theatre, New York.
September 24, 1892:
Haddon Hall, an operetta by Arthur Sullivan (50) to words of Grundy, is performed for the first time, at the Savoy Theatre, London. It is a success with critics and public.
January 27, 1893:
WS Gilbert reads the plot of a new operetta (Utopia, Limited) to Arthur Sullivan (50) at Roquebrune. Both are pleased.
May 10, 1893:
25,000 people attend the formal opening of the Imperial Institute in London by Queen Victoria. Arthur Sullivan (50) conducts the premiere of his Imperial March for the occasion.
September 30, 1893:
Early morning. Arthur Sullivan (51) completes the composition of Utopia Limited.
October 7, 1893:
Utopia Limited, or the Flowers of Progress, an operetta by Arthur Sullivan (51) to words of Gilbert, is performed for the first time, in the Savoy Theatre, London. The line for tickets began to form at 10:00. The first-night audience is enthusiastic and the show will run well, but the critics are lukewarm. It goes for 245 performances.
January 6, 1894:
“Bid me at least good-bye”, a song by Arthur Sullivan (51) to words of Grundy, is performed for the first time, as part of Grundy’s play An Old Jew in the Garrick Theatre, London.
December 12, 1894:
The Chieftan, an operetta by Arthur Sullivan (52) to words of Burnand, is performed for the first time, in the Savoy Theatre, London, conducted by the composer. The piece is a reworking of The Contrabandista. See 18 December 1867.
January 12, 1895:
Incidental music to Comyns Carr’s play King Arthur by Arthur Sullivan (52) is performed for the first time, in the Lyceum Theatre, London conducted by the composer. The critics are mixed.
August 8, 1895:
WS Gilbert reads the plot of The Grand Duke to Arthur Sullivan (53) at Walton-on-Thames where Sullivan is staying while his apartment is redecorated. The composer is pleased.
March 7, 1896:
The Grand Duke, or The Statutory Duel, an operetta by Arthur Sullivan (53) to words of Gilbert, is performed for the first time, in the Savoy Theatre, London. The first-night audience is appreciative, the critics are fairly positive, but the work will ultimately fail, with only 123 performances. It is the last collaboration of Gilbert and Sullivan.
May 25, 1897:
Victoria and Merrie England, a ballet by Arthur Sullivan (55) to a choreography by Coppi, is performed for the first time, in the Alhambra Theatre, London.
June 20, 1897:
The hymn O king of kings, whose reign of old by Arthur Sullivan (55) to words of How is heard for the first time, at services celebrating the Diamond Jubilee of Queen Victoria in St. George’s Chapel, Windsor.
May 28, 1898:
The Beauty Stone, a romantic musical drama by Arthur Sullivan (56) to words of Pinero and Carr is performed for the first time, in the Savoy Theatre, London. The critics are not impressed.
October 8, 1898:
Arthur Sullivan (56) conducts the Leeds Festival for the last time.
November 17, 1898:
WS Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan (56) are called on the stage of the Savoy after a performance celebrating the 21st anniversary of The Sorcerer, their first full length collaboration. The two will never see each other again.
December 14, 1898:
Wreaths for Our Graves, an anthem by Arthur Sullivan (56), is performed for the first time, at the Royal Mausoleum at Frogmore, for the 27th anniversary of the death of Prince Albert. It was composed by royal command.
March 4, 1899:
Arthur Sullivan (56) draws up his will.
November 13, 1899:
The Absent Minded Beggar, a song for voice and piano by Arthur Sullivan (57) to words of Kipling, is performed for the first time, at the Alhambra Theatre, London. All proceeds from the song, including singing rights and direct sale (the printing is donated), go to the wives and children of those on active service. It is an enormous success and becomes the 19th century equivalent of a number one hit.
November 29, 1899:
The Rose of Persia, or The Story-teller and the Slave, an operetta by Arthur Sullivan (57) to words of Hood is performed for the first time, in the Savoy Theatre, London, conducted by the composer. The work is fairly successful.
July 21, 1900:
The Absent-Minded Beggar March for brass band by Arthur Sullivan (58) is performed for the first time, in the Crystal Palace, London. It is Sullivan’s last public appearance.
October 29, 1900:
Arthur Sullivan (58) goes to witness the return of the City Imperial Volunteers from South Africa in a cold wind. His chronic bronchitis becomes worse.
November 21, 1900:
The royal physician is contacted to attend to the gravely ill Arthur Sullivan. He will arrive at Sullivan’s London home tomorrow.
November 22, 1900:
Shortly after 06:00, Arthur Seymour Sullivan dies at the age of 58 years, six months, and nine days, at 1 Queen's Mansions, 58 Victoria Street, Westminster, United Kingdom, of a heart attack following years of bronchitis and kidney disease.
November 27, 1900:
After a service at the Chapel Royal, the body of Arthur Sullivan is transported across London to St. Paul’s Cathedral. Against his wishes, his mortal remains are laid to rest in the crypt of St. Paul’s.
April 3, 1901:
The producer for the Gilbert and Sullivan (†0) operettas, Richard D’Oyly Carte, dies in London.
April 27, 1901:
The Emerald Isle, or The Caves of Carig-Cleena, an operetta by Arthur Sullivan (†0) to words of Hood, is performed for the first time, at the Savoy Theatre, London. Left unfinished at the composer’s death, it was completed by Edward German.
June 8, 1902:
A Te Deum by Arthur Sullivan (†1) is performed for the first time, in St. Paul’s Cathedral, London, to celebrate the end of the Boer War.
March 27, 1925:
Several works for voice and piano by Ralph Vaughan Williams (52) are performed for the first time, in Aeolian Hall, London: Two Poems by Seamas O’Sullivan (pseud. of James Starkey), Three Songs from Shakespeare, and Four Poems by Fredegond Shove.
February 27, 1982:
The D’Oyly Carte Opera Company, guardians of the Gilbert and Sullivan (†81) operettas, folds 106 years after its establishment. The crisis occurred when the right-wing British government removed subsidies.