Gilbert & Sullivan Poem by John Knight

I'm not a classic music snob - my tastes are cosmopolitan
Each music genre has its job - to keep the listener turnin' on.
Jazz, country, classics, rock and roll - I like the rhythm and the lyrics
They stir the music in my soul - they interchange acoustic physics!

The Beatles, Bach and Bacharach - I give each one attention,
Random is arranged my CD rack - critique's not my intention.
But even the most fickle buff - must have a predeliction
A choice form this acoustic stuff - a personal selection.

I must confess what I like best - a perfect combination
Gilbert & Sullivan beats the rest - the music of the Nation!
Its a perfect sublimation - of lyric and of tune
Of costume and gyration - to make the punters swoon!

Compared with Classic Opera- some think it's rather trite,
Sub-class of lepidoptra - ephemeral moths of night.
But a seat at the Mikado - or the Pirates of Penzance
Evokes audience bravado - and makes them sing and dance!

It's the language of the people - it's the paradox of life
It's bells rung from the steeple - and pure internecene strife.
The music fits the lyrics - and the costumes fit the plot
It's G & S, not astrophysics - dull and boring they are not!

Some ncritics say they're all the same - plots, lyrics and the tunes
But facts don't justify the claim - they're different as the sun & moon.
Patience dwell on poets & dragoons - Trial by Jury dwells on love,
Iolanthe plays a lot of lovely fairy tunes - Princess Ida's hand in glove.

Each one deals with issues - the Victorians thought of worth.
Prejudice and tissues - of life and death and noble birth.
The fact I rest my case on - is the fact that in our Schools
Music teachers really love them - and teenagers find them cool!

Comprehensive Schools and Public - Grammar Schools as well
All love the G & S republic - and the stories that they tell.
G & S societies thrive in cities - and they thrive in towns
And they all keep sitting pretty - singing, playing, sewing gowns!

So if you want a holiday - that's full of fun an laughter
Go to Buxton for the feastival - and you'll be hooked thereafter.
Three solid weeks of G & S - Rudigore and the Grand Duke
The Sorcerer and Gondoliers - but don't forget to book!

(Jhn Knight - UK)