Arthur Sullivan

Date of Birth: May 13, 1842

Zodiac Sign: Taurus

Date of Death: November 22, 1900

Biography

Sir Arthur Seymour Sullivan was a renowned English composer, best known for his collaborations with librettist W.S. Gilbert. Born on May 13, 1842, in Lambeth, London, Sullivan displayed musical talent from a young age. He attended the Royal Academy of Music and later the Leipzig Conservatory, where he honed his skills in composition. Sullivan’s partnership with Gilbert produced some of the most famous operettas in the English language, including “H.M.S. Pinafore,” “The Pirates of Penzance,” and “The Mikado.” Their works are celebrated for their witty lyrics, memorable melodies, and incisive social commentary. In addition to his work with Gilbert, Sullivan composed numerous orchestral works, hymns, and songs. His “The Lost Chord” remains one of his most enduring pieces. Sullivan was knighted in 1883 for his contributions to music. Despite his success, Sullivan faced personal and financial challenges, including health issues and the early death of his brother, Fred. He passed away on November 22, 1900, in London.

5 Interesting Facts about Arthur Sullivan

1. Arthur Sullivan was the first recipient of the Mendelssohn Scholarship at the Royal Academy of Music in 1856.

2. Sullivan’s famous hymn “Onward, Christian Soldiers” is still widely sung today.

3. He composed the music for the first-ever Royal Command Performance in 1891, attended by Queen Victoria.

4. Sullivan’s operetta “The Mikado” was inspired by the craze for Japanese culture in the 19th century.

5. Sullivan was buried in St. Paul’s Cathedral, London, a rare honor for a musician.

5 Most Interesting Quotes from Arthur Sullivan

1. “I am terrified at the thought of any disaster happening, but I suppose I must risk it.”

2. “Music is the only language in which you cannot say a mean or sarcastic thing.”

3. “In anything that I have written, I have aimed at making it intelligible to the great mass of the people.”

4. “I have always kept one end in view, namely, to make music a popular art.”

5. “A composer is for all the world like a master in painting: he must pull out any color, any shape, any form, to suit his purpose.”

Highest Net Worth Achieved

At the peak of his career, Arthur Sullivan’s net worth is estimated to have been approximately £250,000, a significant sum during the late 19th century.