Interviewer
Sir Arthur, what is your initial reaction to this new version of A Christmas Carol?
Arthur Sullivan
There are several aspects to this; firstly, I cannot wholeheartedly approve of the use of my music for purposes for which it was never intended. However, what the author has done is to be commended, if only for his imaginative approach to where my melodies have been re-applied. Where he has altered my music, I can see the artistic reason for it, even though I myself would have perhaps done it differently. On the whole, I prefer the pieces where he has retained my original intact, despite the changes to the words.
Interviewer
Do you this that Mr Gilbert would have approved?
Arthur Sullivan
Certainly not. Gilbert was, shall we say, 'contrary' at the best of times, so I'm afraid there would be no purpose in asking his views.
Interviewer
Did you in fact mention this new version to him?
Arthur Sullivan
Yes, I did. He immediately went into a long and tortuous diatribe against the English Law, and in particular, the outrageous limitation on the period after which royalties are no longer payable!
Interviewer
Do you have any special favourites amongst the musical adaptations?
Arthur Sullivan
As you know, I did make adaptations of my own works, so I can see the attraction of juxtaposing various themes. I particularly liked the use of what Wagner calls leitmotiv for the various characters, and I thoroughly approve of the author's choice of Iolanthe's theme for Scrooge. I also liked the way in which he has brought together themes from the various operettas to add layers of underlying meaning to the various interludes throughout the piece. Although I must point out that there is one instance where a theme was not written by myself...
Interviewer
I think the author has suggested that there is a prize for the person who can spot it during a performance.
Arthur Sullivan
Am I eligible?
Interviewer
I'm afraid not, Sir Arthur.
Arthur Sullivan
Pity.
Interviewer
What would be your opinion on the production itself?
Arthur Sullivan
Before I comment on that, I must point out a significant difference between the way in which this score was produced from how I would have done it. I found it fascinating to observe the way in which a music software package allowed the author to enter the music, then to be able to play it back, using the instrumental sounds he wanted, and then to be able to print out a complete score, or individual parts for the musicians. And the ability to use electronic synthesisers allows the company to contain their costs enormously - I feel sure that D'Oyly Carte would have loved that! And indeed, knowing the recalcitrant nature of the orchestral musician, so would I! But as to the work itself, I think that it's a remarkable piece of theatrical presentation.
Interviewer
The author intends that the piece should be available to other amateur societies to add to the canon of works by yourself and Mr Gilbert.
Arthur Sullivan
Indeed? I can only say that Gilbert and I had no idea that our little trifles would become so popular with amateur groups, and I am aware that there are those who consider that we did not write sufficient work together, but if they had been aware of the trials and tribulations of working with that man, they would be surprised at how much we did achieve. So I wish him well - at least he didn't have the millstone of having to collaborate with that insufferable martinet, Gilbert.
Interviewer
Thank you, Sir Arthur.