Gilbert and Sullivan Opening Songs Quiz

Answer: Utopia Limited

This operetta, the second last to be written by Gilbert and Sullivan, is rarely performed, but does contain some fine songs. In this opening song, the Utopian people are singing about their lazy lifestyle on their Pacific island - but before the end of the operetta their society is completely remodelled on English principles.

Answer: The Gondoliers

The contadine sing to the bouquets of roses they are making, telling them that they all love the gondoliers Marco and Guiseppe, but unfortunately Marco and Guiseppe are only two people, while there are 24 contadine! Marco and Guiseppe will soon choose Gianetta and Tessa for their brides, but trouble will arise when Don Alhambra del Bolero reveals that one of them is the King of Barataria.

Answer: The Pirates of Penzance

The pirates are celebrating Frederick's coming of age - but as it emerges later on, since he was born on February 29, he has not had 21 birthdays: 'Though you've lived 21 years, yet, if we go by birthdays, you're only five, and a little bit over'. Will Frederick have to go back to his pirate life, or will he be able to lead a respectable existence with the wonderful Mabel? It will take a band of terrified policemen, a major-general and a deaf nursemaid to sort this one out.

Answer: Iolanthe

The fairies sing about their fairy life - 'We are dainty little fairies, ever singing, ever dancing'. But their fairy life is about to experience an upheaval when Iolanthe returns from the bottom of the stream to which she has been banished. It turns out she has a son, Strephon, who is in love with Phyllis, a shepherdess, who is loved by her guardian, the Lord Chancellor, who is ... wait for it ... married to Iolanthe, who he thinks is dead. Confusing, isn't it?

Answer: The Mikado

'If you want to know who we are, We are gentlemen of Japan'. This song opens one of the best-known G&S operettas, which follows the romantic misadventures of Nanki-Poo, who is the Mikado's son in disguise. He loves Yum Yum, but he will have to compete with Koko, her guardian, for her affections, while at the same time warding off the repellent Katisha.

Answer: The Sorcerer

In the opening song, the villagers sing about the upcoming betrothal of Aline and Alexis: 'For today young Alexis, young Alexis Pointdextre, Is betrothed to Aline, to Aline Sangazure'. However, they'll all have to contend with a love potion first!

Answer: HMS Pinafore

'We sail the ocean blue, and our saucy ship's a beauty'. Yes, it's the sailors on the HMS Pinafore, who are about to witness some excitement when one of their number falls in love with the Captain's beautiful daughter Josephine. But a former nursemaid called Buttercup harbours some dark secrets about people's true identities ...

Answer: The Yeomen of the Guard

Poor Phoebe, who sings this song, is in love with Colonel Fairfax, who is unfortunately due to be beheaded. While the Colonel survives the show, Phoebe doesn't get her man. 'The Yeomen of the Guard' is probably the saddest of the G&S operettas, though it ends happily for some of the characters.

Answer: Patience

The 'twenty lovesick maidens' are all in love with the poet Bunthorne, but he is in love with Patience, a dairymaid, who does not love him. She does fall in love by the end of the operetta - but it's still not with Bunthorne, who not only doesn't get Patience, but also loses the affections of the twenty lovesick maidens.

Answer: Ruddigore

For some reason, the village of Rederring has a corps of professional bridesmaids, who are bemoaning the fact that Rose, the most eligible maiden in the village, still has not decided to get married. They needn't worry, as she'll be choosing a husband soon - but complications arise when he turns out to be the Bad Baronet of Ruddigore. I hope you enjoyed the quiz! For those keeping track, the operettas not included were 'Thespis' (of which most of the score is lost), 'Trial by Jury' (which opens with 'Hark, the hour of ten is sounding'), 'Princess Ida' (which opens with 'Search throughout the panorama), and 'The Grand Duke' (which opens with 'Won't it be a pretty wedding?')