Thomas and Sally, or The Sailor's Return.

Arne (Thomas)

Thomas and Sally, or The Sailor's Return.

A Dramatic Pastoral... as perform'd at the Theatre Royal in Covent Garden By Mr. Beard and Miss Brent, Mr. Mattocks, Mrs. Vernon, and Chorus.

Description: FIRST EDITION OF SCORE, engraved title and 2-page catalogue advertisement of Peter Welker, Gerrard Street, Soho, music seller, his small printed label attached to upper margin of title, engraved music with 12-15 staves per page, engraver J. Phillips, pp. [iv], [i], 2-49, [i], folio, modern textured boards, spine and upper board with black morocco labels, gilt lettered, very good

Publication Details: Printed for and sold by the Author in the Piazza, 1761

Notes: Thomas and Sally, libretto by Isaac Bickerstaffe, is a light pastoral opera, written as an 'after piece' to a spoken play, and has the distinction of being the first English comic opera to be sung throughout. The work was first performed in November 1760 at the Theatre Royal, and starred Charlotte Brent as Sally, the milk maid, in constant peril from the unwanted attentions of the Squire, but ultimately rescued by Thomas, a sailor, returning from service at sea, defending king and country. Despite some nautical critics objecting to its sea-language as technically inaccurate, the opera proved t...moreThomas and Sally, libretto by Isaac Bickerstaffe, is a light pastoral opera, written as an 'after piece' to a spoken play, and has the distinction of being the first English comic opera to be sung throughout. The work was first performed in November 1760 at the Theatre Royal, and starred Charlotte Brent as Sally, the milk maid, in constant peril from the unwanted attentions of the Squire, but ultimately rescued by Thomas, a sailor, returning from service at sea, defending king and country. Despite some nautical critics objecting to its sea-language as technically inaccurate, the opera proved to be very popular, particularly in America, where it inspired a slew of sea songs, including one by Susanna Rowson. American's proclivity for the work continued into the 20th century with the successful Broadway Revival by the Intimate Opera Company.(Gilje, Free Trade and Sailors' Rights in the War of 1812, 2013)From the library of Richard Luckett, Pepys Librarian, Magdalene, Cambridge, with his neat typographical book label designed by Will Carter of the Rampant Lions Press.Scarce: LibraryHub cites only Oxford and Birmingham; WorldCat adds the BL, but no further copies. HIDE

Enquire about this book

Price: £875

Subject: Music

Published Date: 1761

Stock Number: 73090

(Your basket is currently empty)