William Schwenck Gilbert, Arthur Seymour Sullivan

Pirates of Penzance, The

The Pirates of Penzance (The Slave of Duty), written in 1879, was the fifth collaboration between Arthur Sullivan and W. S. Gilbert. It tells the story of a 21 year old man, Frederic, who is apprenticed to a band of pirates but wants to live a respectable life after his contract with them expires. He meets the daughter of Major-General Stanley, Mabel, and instantly falls in love. After many comical adventures, Frederic both convinces the pirates to become law-abiding citizens and marries Mabel. The Pirates of Penzance, which premiered in New York City on December 31, 1879 at the Fifth Avenue Theatre, remains popular with opera houses and audiences today and is one of the most frequently staged Gilbert and Sullivan operas. The Overture to The Pirates of Penzance remains a favorite concert opener and a staple of light orchestral repertoire. Instrumentation: 2(2nd dPicc).1.2.1: 2.0+2(Crnt).2.0: Timp.Perc(1-2): Str (9.8.7.6.5 in set). Reprint edition.