Sir William S.

Gilbert (1836-1911) wrote many farces and pantomimes and in several comedies
combined something of Robertson’s technique with a cynicism that was all his own. There are
motives in his “fairy comedies” and also in his Bab Ballads (18670-1869) which he wrote for Sir
Arthur Sullivan’s music. These operettas are unique among librettos in that they are enjoyable
even apart from their musical element. Lyric charm and lightly parodied romantic themes are
combined with a cynicism that is often quietly ruthless to mordant satire and contemporary fads
and humbugs. The formula requires a humorous chaos of situation and reasoning. Still, a delicate
and simmering grace prevails all over.