Gilbert and Sullivan Online Exhibit: The Yeomen of the Guard


The Yeomen of the Guard (1888) was an artistic departure from the previous Gilbert and Sullivan operas. Gilbert finally gave Sullivan a believable libretto, and Sullivan wrote a score that approached serious opera. Each felt that this opera was the best of their collaborative works. It enjoyed a great success both in London and on provincial tour, and is considered one of the most popular of the series in England. The New York production at Rudolph Aronson’s Casino had a weaker cast. Although it ran for 100 performances, The Yeomen of the Guard has never been as appreciated in America as it has been in England.

[Program]. London: Savoy Theatre, [Mar. 1889]. Original production of The Yeomen of the Guard.

Program

Indulgence slip announcing the substitution of Annie Cole for the indisposed Jessie Bond in the original production of The Yeomen of the Guard.

Program slip

[Tin box]. Shipley, Yorks.: E. I. & Co., n.d.

Color scene from The Yeomen of the Guard on cover.

Tin box

[Souvenir program]. London: Savoy Theatre, [Apr. 1889].

Original production of The Yeomen of the Guard. Designed by Alice Havers.

Program

[Program]. New York: The Casino, week ending Nov. 17, 1888.

Original New York production of The Yeomen of the Guard, authorized by D’Oyly Carte.

Program

W. S. Gilbert. The Yeomen of the Guard. New York: Wm. A. Pond & Co., [1888].

The authorized edition of the libretto, printed for the New York production.

Carte’s statement of performing rights and Rudolph Aronson’s authorization are separately stamped on the cover.

Libretto

W. S. Gilbert. The Yeomen of the Guard. New York: Richard Saalfield, [1888].

Saalfield pirated his libretto from the authorized edition.

Libretto

[Illustrated sheet music]. Were I Thy Bride. New York: Wm. A. Pond & Co., 1888.

A souvenir of the Casino production of The Yeomen of the Guard.

Sheet music


Ruddigore



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