The New York herald., 1879-11-06
The Builders of H. M. s. "Pinafore
Arrive in Town.
FIRST MATE CELLIER.
How the Famous Frigate Was Built
Chnstened and Launched.
FUTURE PLANS AND PROSPECTS.
LONDON, Oct. 25.

BY the time these lines reach you the author and
composer of "H. M. s. Pnafore" will have landed
or be just about to land i'll America II may be in
teresting, therefore, to coliocate few notes con-
cerning Messrs. w. s. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan
men who. in their respective lines, have done work
which will make their names forever memorable in
the annals of tho English stage aud concert room.
They are accompanied by Mr.. Alfred Celler one OF
the foremost of the rising composers OF England.
and the object Of their visit is you Enow to pro-
duce new comic opera which is to equal. although
1t hardly be expected to rival. the popu-
larity OF Captain Corcoran's famous vessel.
First. then. as to Mr. W. s. Gilbert. He has
had his failures as we'll his successes. but no
playwright in this country stands higher in the csti-
nation of tho more intellectual class of theatre-goers
He has worked the stage i'll all varieties Of STYLE
His first piece was burlesque on an Italian opera
for the st. James, He has written comedies such as
..An Old Scare" ''Tom Cobb,' Engaged" and
s.Randall's Thumb He has adapted French plays
very cleverly. as in "The Wedding March," He has
given exquisite fairy and NEUROLOGICAL comedies
in .'Pygmalion and Galatea. "rhe Palace of TRUTH
and Broken Hearts" He has dealt with the topics
OF the day in sarcastic fashion, in "The Happy
Land" He wrote admirable serious drama in
"DanI Druce," and a less successful in "The
vagabond." and moro recently in Gretchen" he
secrared by the genius Of Goethe which the author
asserts in the preface the published edition of 1t
had not fair trial. He has produced idyl like
''Sweethearts." and squib like "Tral by jury, and
finally has won enormous popularity as the author
OF the comic operas. "The Sorcerer" and III. NJ. s.
Pinaforc." That list does not pretend to be ex-
haustive but it shows Mr. Gilberts versatility and
how he has worked in the path of life he has chosen
As to his success it may be said that the peculiar
bent Of his genius has made him more at home in
satirical and humorous work than in plays of more
serious interest. Hc seems to lack that sympathy
which is necessary to touch the hearts of an audi
encc, though we are not forgetting "Sweethearts'
when saying that. aud his mental attitude might be
defined that of an inhabitant of topsy-turvy-
dom. His blank verse in his more serious plays,
notably in Gretchen" contains some powerful
lines but seldom rises into poetry; it strikes
you as being clever, but does not touch you. For
the rest Mr.. Gilbert is admirable stage manager
very careful and painstaking. understanding pre-
cisely what he wants and knowing how to produce
the effects after which he is striving
MIR. ARTHUR SULLIVAN.
Mr.. Arthur Sullivan. the popular composer, is the
son of baEdmastcr at Sandhurst, and was in
itiaed in the mysteries of music at early age as
one % the choristers known tho "Children Of
the Chapel Royal Respecting his operas. like
his hbrettist. Chorley though an acute critic fur
nished u very poor book for an opera and "The
Sapphire Necklace would probably have met with
more favor had 1t been better written. "Cox and
Box" and ''Thc Contrabandista," to produce which
nand. showed him to advantage in light music, and
then his first oratorio. ''The Prodigal Son." A
cantata entitled "On Shore and Sea" won praise.
Mr.. Grose supplied the ibretto for 1.-THE Light OF the
World" an oratorio still popular at musical festi-
walls held in cathedrals which contains some sound
work. and then come to the days Of "Trial by
jury" 1.-The Sorcerer" and "Pinafore." Mr.. Sulli-
van has indeed much fame a writer of
comic opera that he is hardly likely to return to
more ambitious composition Vet awhile unless. in
deed, your American institutions should SO impress
Mr. Gilbert that he takes serious turn and writes
oratoro One need hardly name Sullivan songs to
generation which hears 1.-The Snow Lies White" mo
Lost Chord and ''Sweethoarts" echong in thousand
drawing rooms. nor need we mention part songs.
hymutures. "Te Deum and other miscellaneous
work which the composer has executed in the inter-
pal of the National Training School of Music, and
has been much in request as u conductor at various
concerts in all parts of the kingdom He plays the
piano charmingiy, and is pleasant companion.
going great deal into society.
MIR. ALFRED CELIIER.
Mr.. Alfred Ce'lier. who goes out also to conduct
and assist generally in bringing out the new work.
Is a compo oser who possesses genuine u gift of
melody as any man now before the public Like
Mr.. Sullivan he received his early trainins in the
choir Of the Chapel Royal. At the early age OF
twentyone he was appointed organist at the Ulster
Hall, Belfast, succeeding DR.. Chip, coming aferward
to take the command at st. Adams, here, where he
produced Schuberts mass in K Hat with an orches-
produced five operas. and here again we have an in
stance CT q clever composer who has to struggle
with brettos that failed to interest the public and
made the music. to certain extent, sink with them.
The names OF Mr.. Celliers works are "The Sultan of
Mocha" "The Tower of LondJn," "Neil Gwynne."
'Bela Donna" and "The Spectre Knight" the latter
produced at the Opera Comique All these works
are remarkable for melodious numbers and clever
orchestration. and there be doubt that II
Mr. Cellier is suited with o really interesting
and sympathetic "book'- is to saw a libretto.
which, as the composer would saw. he could feel
wAfI lva
Mr.. Cellier has written many songs, aso of conspcu
Gus merit. "The Flower Girl is a tune which. once
heard. Is not likely to be forgotten. The composer
Is n very capable conductor. lie held the baton ut
the Opera Comique when the "Pinafore" was pro-
Deputy Conductor at Covent Garden Promenade
Concerts Enterprising impresdrios in America
should be on the lookout for Mr. Collier. who has.
we believe, more than one work with him which
would increase his reputation. and who, moreover is
anxious to give the American public taste Of his
quality.
AN AMERICAN PRrsA DONNA
In the same steamer that carries this author and
these composers, Miss Roosevelt, better known as
Miss blanche Tucker. who appeared in opera here
originally as Miss Rosabella will journey with her
husband. This lady has been singing Josephine in
the "Pnaforc. and has won golden opinions tor her
bright vocazation and pquant rendering OF the
character. Other subordinate members of the COM
pany are to follow in fortnight but the principals
will still continue to man the gallant "Pinaforo'
until such time receive the new comic opera,
which before ITS appearance here viii. let US hope,
have delighted American audiences.
ARRIVAL OF THE COMIC WRITER AND HIS CoAD-
JUroR---THEIR OWN OPINION OF ''PrNAroRE'-
PLAYS AND PLANS FOR THE FUTURE.
The Cunard steamer Dothna, which arrived ut
Quarantine yesterday morning at three o'clock,
brought among her passengers two of the brightest
and clcvcrcst Englishmen Of our day. two Britons
who have probably contributed more to the inno-
cent amusement and pleasure OF tho American peo-
pie than any others--Arthur sullivan and William
B. uilbert--one the composer aud the other the
author os 'Her Msjcsty's Ship Pinafore." 1t was a
bitter cold morning. The two famous representa-
tivcs OF English comic opera stiI breakfast
delightfully."- ensconccd amid u bevy Of charming
American young ladies.
II have come here from the HERALD to greet you
upon your arrival on American soil," said the re-
porter.
Mr. Gilbert laughed and ainiabiy introduced his
eopiradc in arms Mr.. sullivan. They led tho writer
their statcrOof m bolow. which a .t,ta b.