W. S. Gilbert 
The Sorcerer 

W. S. Gilbert’s ‘The Sorcerer’ is a whimsical and comedic opera that explores love, magic, and societal norms. Set in a small English village, the story follows a young man who uses a love potion to create chaos and confusion among the residents. Gilbert’s witty dialogue and catchy musical numbers make ‘The Sorcerer’ a delightful satire of Victorian society and its obsession with social status and love. The opera’s light-hearted tone and humor make it a classic example of Gilbert’s signature style. The clever plot twists and memorable characters make ‘The Sorcerer’ a must-read for fans of comedic opera and Victorian literature. W. S. Gilbert, known for his collaboration with composer Arthur Sullivan, was a prominent figure in the world of British musical theatre. His keen observations of society and sharp wit are evident in ‘The Sorcerer, ‘ reflecting his talent for blending satire with comedy. Gilbert’s experiences in the theatre and his understanding of the Victorian audience’s tastes influenced the creation of this masterpiece. I highly recommend ‘The Sorcerer’ to readers interested in Victorian literature, comedic opera, and social satire. Gilbert’s wit and charm shine through in this delightful work, making it a timeless classic that continues to entertain audiences to this day.

Об авторе

William Schwenck Gilbert, known predominantly as W. S. Gilbert, was an eminent English dramatist, librettist, poet, and illustrator, born on November 18, 1836. A prominent literary figure of the Victorian era, Gilbert is best remembered for his fruitful collaboration with the composer Arthur Sullivan, with whom he crafted fourteen comic operas that continue to enchant audiences across the globe. Among their most celebrated works is ‘The Sorcerer’ (1877), an operatic marriage of Gilbert’s incisive wit and Sullivan’s melodious compositions. Gilbert’s penchant for satirical humor, combined with his adroit use of the English language, the ‘topsy-turvydom’ of his plots, and his penchant for poking fun at the establishment, constituted the hallmark of his literary style, one that has influenced English theatre and comedy considerably. His contributions to literature and theatre were recognized in 1907 when he was knighted for his services to drama. Gilbert’s legacy endures through the ‘Gilbert and Sullivan’ operas and the phrase ‘Gilbertian’ which has entered the lexicon to describe his unique blend of whimsy and satire. W. S. Gilbert passed away on May 29, 1911, leaving behind a body of work that continues to be celebrated and performed around the world.