SULLIVAN’S REBUKE
TN the “Life of Sullivan” it is claimed that the popular composer had almost inexhaustible patience, even during the trying rehearsal periods. When the occasion arose, however, as it once did during the rehearsing of “Princess Ida,” when an actor attempted to force his way against the composer’s wishes in a certain song, he was quite capable of administering a “mild” rebuke.
“Mr. he said very calmly, laying down his baton with that quiet smile of protest the company knew so well, “there is something very radically v/rong with that song. Either you do not understand it or I don’t.”
“I think I understand it,” the singer replied. “Perhaps you do,” Sullivan retorted. “That’s the worst of being a composer. One always begins at the wrong end of the stick. In future I shall start at the other end. I’ll get you to sing my songs first, then I’ll compose them afterwards.”
The rebuke was followed by an awful silence; then the rehearsal went on.
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https://paperspast.natlib.govt.nz/newspapers/SUNAK19271201.2.155
Bibliographic details
Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 216, 1 December 1927, Page 16
Word Count
167SULLIVAN’S REBUKE Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 216, 1 December 1927, Page 16
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