THE POPULAR COMPOSER.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XXXVII, Issue 11539, 26 November 1900, Page 4

THE POPULAR COMPOSER.

We give in another column a somewhat elaborate appreciation of the late Sir Arthur Sullivan, by Dr. W. E. Thomas, which conveys a clear conception of the place taken by the deceased composer in the musical world. But in addition to the high place he won in the highest of the artistic professions, Sir Arthur Sullivan won an unparalleled place in the public estimation. We feel that it would be an ungracious omission, and one regretted by the overwhelming majority of our readers, if we did -not take the opportunity to pay such tribute as we may to a genius which has cheered and elevated and purified the lives of the vast numbers who have come within the spell of its wonderful humanity, who have heard the Sullivan music with uncritical ears but with kindling and responsive hearts. When one compares the Gilbert and Sullivan operas to those which commonly preceded them, and even to many of those which have since received acceptance, one must be impressed by the absolute purity of their tone and the remarkable absence of the sensuous in their matchless melody. In an unhappily large number of more or less popular operas, there is unfortunately to be seen and heard much Which might excuse or even justify the sweeping condemnation of Puritanism. But the most thoughtful man, the most modest woman, the most scrupulous, guardian of youth or maiden, sees without offence and admires without reluctance, the entrancing work which owes its supreme excellence to the musical genius of Sir Arthur Sullivan. That the public recognised these operas so promptly, and accorded to them such world-wide popularity, should show that pure and noble and elevating work gives fame and fortune at least as readily as plot and words and music which appeal to the lower instincts. And we think it may also show, as the popularity of Burns has shown in song, the popularity of Scott and Dickens in literature, that the public ever loves and appreciates and honours the crowning Art which manifests itself in a profound simplicity. We doubt if there is an English-speaking man or woman living to whom the music of Sullivan has not brought a gleam of sunshine ; we know that no single one of them but has heard of his death with regret. Than this the world can pay no greater tribute to any man, not even though it set up a centograph in every town and village, and published its grief in letters of gold.