The ballet Victoria and Merrie England aimed to depict national and royal themes in British life through the centuries, bringing to life scenes from popular prints and loyal imagination.
Recording & Production
This recording of Victoria and Merrie England is a world premiere, made possible by extensive research and reconstruction of the score by Roderick Spencer for the Sullivan Society, as the original score had disappeared.
Composition History
Sullivan's ballet, Victoria and Merrie England, was commissioned by Alfred Maul, manager of the Alhambra Theatre, to celebrate the theatre's 60th anniversary and Queen Victoria's Diamond Jubilee in 1897.
Composer Biography
Sir Arthur Sullivan, famous for his Savoy operas with W.S. Gilbert, also frequently composed music for significant royal or national events.
Historical Context
The royal approval shown for Victoria and Merrie England helped establish royal command performances for 'Variety' theatre, leading to the first Royal Command Performance in 1912.
Performer Biography
Andrew Penny, the conductor, has made over 50 recordings for Naxos and Marco Polo since 1992, specializing in British music, and was awarded the MBE for services to music in 2014.
Notable Performances
Victoria and Merrie England remained on the Alhambra Theatre's program for six months, during which the Prince of Wales and other royal family members visited 19 times.
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