None of the so-called “comic operas” produced in London deserve permanent record, except The Gondoliers, which has accomplished a successful run of over a year’s duration.

The serious opera so long expected from Sir Arthur Sullivan’s pen is shortly to become an accomplished fact, and it is possible that its production and the institution of a new theatre for works of its class may be the dawning of brighter hopes for English dramatic music than musicians have ever before been warranted in indulging. These can only be realized if the necessity for forming a “repertory” be recognized at once, and if new works by all the representative English musicians be produced as opportunity shall arise.

Page modified 5 September 2011