Arthur Sullivan

British Operetta Composer

Sir Arthur Seymour Sullivan (1842–1900) was a distinguished English composer best known for his operatic collaborations with the librettist Sir William Schwenck Gilbert. Together, Gilbert and Sullivan created fourteen comic operas, which have been enduringly popular with audiences and are still performed regularly today. Among their most famous works are "H.M.S. Pinafore," "The Pirates of Penzance," and "The Mikado." Sullivan's contributions to English music extend beyond his work with Gilbert; he composed numerous pieces including operas, orchestral works, ballets, and church music. His non-Gilbert works include the opera "Ivanhoe" and the ballet "Victoria & Merrie England." Sullivan's music is characterized by its melodic inventiveness, wit, and skillful orchestration. He was knighted in 1883 for his contributions to British music and remains a significant figure in the development of English opera and musical theatre.