The Yeomen of the Guard, Gilbert & Sullivan
| Title | The Yeomen of the Guard or The Merryman and his Maid |
| English Title | |
| Composer | Arthur Sullivan |
| Librettists | William Gilbert |
| Language | English, Dutch translation available |
| Genre | Light opera. Two acts |
| First performance | 1 October 1888, Savoy Theatre, London |
| Time of action | Sixteenth century |
| Place of action | Tower Green, London |
| Main parts |
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| Prominence of chorus | Large |
| Orchestra | 2 flutes, 1 oboe, 2 clarinets, 2 bassoons, 2 horns, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones, timpani/percussion, strings |
| Special demands | The work contains passages for double chorus. Performing companies should have a considerable number of men. |
| Full score and orchestral parts | Available |
| Level | It is one of the more taxing Gilbert & Sullivan works, but experienced amateurs should be able to tackle it. |
| Length | About 2½ hours. Two acts. |
| Music |
In this work the composer rises to unprecedented heights. Splendid numbers for chorus and double-chorus (a riot, a near-beheading, a chorus for ladies scoffing at the Yeomen, a wedding etc.) are alternated by ensembles and solos that bear witness of the composer’s genius (a spinning-wheel song, the two ballads of the condemned man, magnificent coloraturas, a dreamy madrigal etc.) |
| Story |
An executioner in love, a jester whose jests are unappreciated, a condemned man who escapes; self-sacrifice, deceit, unanswered love and blackmail – such are the ingredients of this unique opera. |
| Costumes | Sixteenth-century costumes, beef-eaters’ uniforms (at least twelve, for four-part male chorus) |
| Note | |
| Pictures | |
| Link | Wikipedia |
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