H.M.S. Pinafore E-Book

W. S. Gilbert

• Herausgeber: Booksell-Verlag
• Kategorie: Poesie und Drama
• Sprache: Englisch

Veröffentlichungsjahr: 2020

Beschreibung

H.M.S. Pinafore is a quintessential comic opera characterized by its witty dialogue, charming melodies, and satirical commentary on the British class system and naval life. Written in 1878, Gilbert's work employs a unique blend of humor and social critique, showcasing his trademark use of clever rhyme and puns. The opera unfolds on the British ship H.M.S. Pinafore, where the love story between a lowly sailor and a captain's daughter serves as a vehicle for Gilbert's exploration of themes such as duty, class disparity, and romantic idealism, all wrapped in a playful and engaging narrative. W. S. Gilbert was not just a playwright but a notable figure in Victorian England, whose varied experiences'Äîfrom law to journalism'Äîshaped his sharp wit and critical perspective. Collaborating with composer Arthur Sullivan, Gilbert aimed to challenge societal norms while entertaining audiences. His background in theatre and passion for satire drove him to create works that became enduring classics, reflecting the social dynamics of his time, while simultaneously appealing to the broader human experience. I highly recommend H.M.S. Pinafore to readers and theatre enthusiasts alike, as it provides valuable insight into the societal attitudes of the Victorian era, all while delivering an enchanting musical experience. Gilbert's masterful blend of humor and humanity ensures that this opera remains not only a delight to watch but also a critical reflection on class and identity.

Leseprobe

W. S. Gilbert

H.M.S. Pinafore

Published by Good Press, 2022

[email protected]

EAN 4064066313036

Table of Contents

Dramatis Personae

Musical numbers

in Act I

in Act II

Act I

Act II

Dramatis Personae

Table of Contents

The Rt. Hon. Sir Joseph Porter,

KCB

– First Lord of the

Admiralty

Captain Corcoran – Commanding

HMS Pinafore

Tom Tucker –

Midshipmite

Ralph Rackstraw –

Able Seaman

Dick Deadeye – Able Seaman

Bill Bobstay –

Boatswain's Mate

Bob Becket – Carpenter's Mate

Josephine – the Captain's Daughter

Hebe – Sir Joseph Porter's First Cousin

Little Buttercup – A Portsmouth Bumboat Woman

Chorus of the First Lord's Sisters, his Cousins, his Aunts, Sailors, Marines, etc.

Musical numbers

Table of Contents

in Act I

Table of Contents

"We sail the ocean blue" (Sailors)

"I'm called Little Buttercup" (Buttercup)

"But tell me who's the youth" (Buttercup and Boatswain)

"The nightingale" (Ralph and Chorus of Sailors)

"A maiden fair to see" (Ralph and Chorus of Sailors)

"My gallant crew, good morning" (Captain Corcoran and Chorus of Sailors)

"Sir, you are sad" (Buttercup and Captain Corcoran)

"Sorry her lot who loves too well" (Josephine)

"Over the bright blue sea" (Chorus of Female Relatives)

"Sir Joseph's barge is seen" (Chorus of Sailors and Female Relatives)

"Now give three cheers" (Captain Corcoran, Sir Joseph, Cousin Hebe, and Chorus)

"When I was a lad" (Sir Joseph and Chorus)

"For I hold that on the sea" (Sir Joseph, Cousin Hebe, and Chorus)

"A British tar" (Ralph, Boatswain, Carpenter's Mate, and Chorus of Sailors)

"Refrain, audacious tar" (Josephine and Ralph)

Finale, Act I: "Can I survive this overbearing?"

in Act II

Table of Contents

"Fair moon, to thee I sing" (Captain Corcoran)

"Things are seldom what they seem" (Buttercup and Captain Corcoran)

"The hours creep on apace" (Josephine)

"Never mind the why and wherefore" (Josephine, Captain, and Sir Joseph)

"Kind Captain, I've important information" (Captain and Dick Deadeye)

"Carefully on tiptoe stealing" (Soli and Chorus)

"Farewell, my own" (Octet and Chorus)

"A many years ago" (Buttercup and Chorus)

Finale: "Oh joy, oh rapture unforeseen!"

Act I

Table of Contents

Scene: Quarter-deck of H.M.S. Pinafore. Sailors, led by Boatswain, discovered cleaning brasswork, splicing rope, etc.

CHORUS – MEN

We sail the ocean blue, And our saucy ship's a beauty; We're sober men and true, And attentive to our duty. When the balls whistle free O'er the bright blue sea, We stand to our guns all day; When at anchor we ride On the

Portsmouth

tide, We have plenty of time to play.

Enter Little Buttercup, with large basket on her arm.

RECITATIVE – BUTTERCUP

Hail, men-o'-war's men – safeguards of your nation! Here is an end, at last, of all privation; You've got your pay – spare all you can afford To welcome Little Buttercup on board.

ARIA

For I'm called Little Buttercup – dear Little Buttercup, Though I could never tell why, But still I'm called Buttercup – poor little Buttercup, Sweet little Buttercup I!

I've

snuff

and

tobaccy

, and excellent

jacky

, I've scissors, and watches, and knives; I've ribbons and laces to set off the faces Of pretty young sweethearts and wives.

I've

treacle

and

toffee

, I've tea and I've coffee, Soft

tommy

and succulent chops; I've chickens and

conies

, and pretty

polonies

, And excellent peppermint drops.

Then buy of your Buttercup – dear Little Buttercup; Sailors should never be shy; So, buy of your Buttercup – poor Little Buttercup; Come, of your Buttercup buy!

BOAT. Aye, Little Buttercup – and well called – for you're the rosiest, the roundest, and the reddest beauty in all Spithead.

BUT. Red, am I? and round – and rosy! Maybe, for I have dissembled well! But hark ye, my merry friend – hast ever thought that beneath a gay and frivolous exterior there may lurk a canker-worm which is slowly but surely eating its way into one's very heart?

BOAT. No, my lass, I can't say I've ever thought that.

Enter Dick Deadeye. He pushes through sailors, and comes down.

DICK. I have thought it often. (All recoil from him.)

BUT. Yes, you look like it! What's the matter with the man? Isn't he well?

BOAT. Don't take no heed of him; that's only poor Dick Deadeye.

DICK. I say – it's a beast of a name, ain't it – Dick Deadeye?

BUT. It's not a nice name.

DICK. I'm ugly too, ain't I?

BUT. You are certainly plain.

DICK. And I'm three-cornered too, ain't I?

BUT. You are rather triangular.