Iolanthe (pronounced /aɪ.oʊˈlænθi/) was first produced in London at the Savoy Theatre, on 25 November 1882, three days after Patience closed, and ran for 398 performances. It was the first of Gilbert and Sullivan's operas to premiere at the Savoy Theatre. The story concerns a band of immortal fairies who find themselves at odds with the House of Peers. The opera satirises many aspects of British government and law.
he opening night of Iolanthe was an occasion for what must have seemed a truly magical event in 1882. The Savoy Theatre was the first theatre in the world to be wired for electricity, and such stunning special effects as sparkling fairy wands were possible.
Gilbert had targeted the aristocracy for satiric treatment before, but in this "fairy opera", the House of Lords is lampooned as a bastion of the ineffective, privileged and dim-witted. The political party system and other institutions also come in for a dose of satire. Among many potshots that Gilbert takes at lawyers in this opera, the Lord Chancellor sings that he will "work on a new and original plan" that the rule (which holds true in other professions, such as the military, the church and even the stage) that diligence, honesty, honour, and merit should lead to promotion "might apply to the bar". Throughout Iolanthe, however, both author and composer managed to couch the criticism among such bouncy, amiable absurdities that it is all received as good humour. In fact, Gilbert later refused to allow quotes from the piece to be used as part of the campaign to diminish the powers of the House of Lords.
Although titled Iolanthe all along in Gilbert's plot book[1] for a time the piece was advertised as Perola. According to an often-repeated story, Gilbert and Sullivan did not change the name to Iolanthe until just before the première: "At the final rehearsal of Iolanthe at the Savoy, Sullivan addressed the assembled company: 'Ladies and gentlemen. You have been rehearsing Perola but when the curtain goes up the opera will be called Iolanthe. Will you please change the name Perola to Iolanthe throughout.'"[2] In fact, the title was advertised as Iolanthe as early as November 13, 1882 – eleven days before the opening – so the cast had at least that much time to learn the name. It is also clear that Sullivan's musical setting was written to match the cadence of the word "Iolanthe," and could only accommodate the word "Perola" by preceding it (awkwardly) with "O", "Come" or "Ah".[3] The piece was subtitled The Peer and the Peri.
A glittering crowd attended the first night, including Captain (later Captain Sir) Eyre Massey Shaw, head of the Metropolitan Fire Brigade, whom the Fairy Queen apostrophizes in the second act ("Oh, Captain Shaw/Type of true love kept under/Could thy brigade with cold cascade/Quench my great love, I wonder?"). On the first night, Alice Barnett as the Fairy Queen sang the verses directly to the Captain, to the great delight of the audience.
EYES
Iolanthe Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
I'm on the floor promise I won't bite
And you're so high up there
I must be a sad sight
Please come down meet my eyes
You said it doesn't feel right
I forgot to say bye last time
I made your ego I'm sorry
I lost my love for perfect me
Now how can you counsel me
When yours are yellow as mine
Please come down meet my eyes
You said it doesn't feel right
I forgot to say bye last time
I apologize
In these lyrics, Iolanthe expresses a sense of vulnerability and submission. She acknowledges that her point has been understood by the other person, which has left her feeling defeated and defenseless. She assures them that she won't retaliate or cause harm, emphasizing her willingness to accept their dominance. She then reflects on the power dynamic between them, noting that they are "high up there" while she feels like a pitiful and pitiable figure. This shows a stark contrast in their positions.
Moving on, Iolanthe pleads with the other person to come down from their high position and make eye contact with her. She admits that the situation between them doesn't feel right, suggesting a lack of balance or equality. Iolanthe refers to a previous encounter where she neglected to bid farewell, and she apologizes for this oversight. This apology hints at a desire for reconciliation and a hope for reestablishing a connection.
The lyrics take a turn as Iolanthe takes responsibility for the other person's ego, stating that she is sorry for contributing to it. She confesses to having lost her love for the idea of perfection, implying that she no longer idolizes or admires the person as she once did. Iolanthe questions how they can advise or counsel her, given that their own flaws or shortcomings are as evident as hers, illustrated by comparing their "yellow" eyes, possibly alluding to deceit or weakness.
Once again, Iolanthe implores the other person to descend from their elevated position and meet her gaze. She reiterates that the current situation doesn't feel right, indicating a longing for resolution or understanding. The lyrics end with a remorseful tone as she apologizes for not saying goodbye during their previous interaction, further emphasizing her willingness to mend their relationship.
Overall, these lyrics convey a sense of surrender, longing for connection, and an acknowledgment of the power dynamics at play. Iolanthe appears to be reflecting on her own faults while also questioning the authenticity and credibility of the other person's advice. Through her words, she expresses a desire for reconciliation and hopes for a more balanced and genuine relationship.
Line by Line Meaning
You've made your point
You have successfully communicated your message
I'm on the floor promise I won't bite
I am vulnerable and will not retaliate in anger
And you're so high up there
You hold a position of superiority
I must be a sad sight
I must appear pitiful or displeasing to you
Please come down meet my eyes
Please lower yourself to my level and engage with me
You said it doesn't feel right
You expressed that something feels wrong or off
I forgot to say bye last time
I failed to bid farewell on our previous interaction
I apologize
I express regret and seek forgiveness
I made your ego I'm sorry
I unintentionally contributed to boosting your ego and I apologize
I lost my love for perfect me
I have stopped loving the ideal version of myself
Now how can you counsel me
Now, in what way can you provide guidance to me?
When yours are yellow as mine
When your eyes are also tainted or damaged, just like mine
Lyrics © O/B/O DistroKid
Written by: Arvin Talla
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind