Program Notes from the Music Director

Of all the operettas written by W.S. Gilbert and Arthur Sullivan, Ruddigore is definitely one of them. Ruddigore has everything one would want in a 19th-century English operetta: music, dialogue, plot, scenery, intermission.

As one considers the entire output of Gilbert and Sullivan, one is immediately struck by the uniqueness of Ruddigore. First of all, it is the only G&S work entitled Ruddigore. At a deeper level, it is their only operetta which contains “If well his suit has sped” as its ninth song.

As far as historical context is concerned, Ruddigore opened sometime in the late 1800’s, so that should give you some idea. Wagner and Brahms were both active at this time. It is a little known fact that Richard Wagner attended opening night of Ruddigore. A prominent English businessman of the day spotted Herr Wagner in the lobby during intermission. This, from his diary: “[Wagner] was apparently on his way to the washroom as he passed me. I could have reached out and touched him. He was mumbling something to his companion in broken English – I thought I heard him saying something about the superiority of the German composers (I’m sure I heard him mention Beethoven). Well, I’m no expert, but if you ask me his German accent sounded a bit contrived; I’ve heard better.” Wagner himself referenced that evening in his own diary (translation my own): “Was planning to meet Herr Beethoven for coffee before the show. Was surprised to learn he had been dead sixty years. I am a bigoted, womanizing fool.”

Through the years it has been noted that Ruddigore is perhaps not as well known to the general public as other G&S works, such as The Pirates of Penzance, The Mikado, Aida, and Grease. But this is only because these other shows have been more popular decade after decade after decade.

And what of Ruddigore’s place in the 21st century? What is Ruddigore? Where is Ruddigore? Why is Ruddigore? What role does it play in our everyday existence as individuals and as a society? Well, gentle reader, just look around the room during tonight’s performance as you consider this: If it weren’t for Ruddigore, would any of us be here?

Comments

[Wenchie]

Ruddigore is my favoritest show ever! It has something for everyone! ...As long as they are dead or criminally insane.

(It really is my fav!)