William Gilbert (Gilbert William)

(1836-1911)
Creator, in collaboration with the composer Alexander Sullivan (1842-1900), famous Savoy operas (originally staged in London's theater 'Savoy'). William Schwenk Gilbert was born November 18, 1836 in London. Attended Ealing School and Kings College in London, then within six years (until 1862) worked as a clerk in the Privy Council. Inheritance facilitate his access to the Bar, of which he became in 1863. Starting from 1861 for ten years, published a humorous poem with their own illustrations in the journal 'Fan'.
Its first product, delivered on stage, became Dalkamara (Dulcamara, 1866) - a parody of the opera, Donizetti's Elixir of Love. For thirty years, Gilbert has created a parody, farce, comedy, music, plays and comic operas. Pygmalion and Galatea (Pygmalion and Galatea), the vicious world (The Wicked World), Daniel Drews (Dan'l Druce), The Betrothed (Engaged) and Comedy and Tragedy (Comedy and Tragedy) - just a few of his works, while marching in London theaters.

In 1871, together with A. Gilbert Sullivan created their first comic opera Fespid (Thespis), followed by another thirteen works. In 1875 they became a partner of a prominent impresario R.D 'Oyli Maps, in 1881 which has added to the operas of Gilbert and Sullivan Theater' Savoy '. For 25 years, until 1896 - the year of their last performances of the Grand Duke (The Grand Duke) - they were idols of the public. The extraordinary success of The Mikado (Micado), His Majesty's Frigate 'Pinafor' (HMS. 'Pinafore'), Patience (Patience), Gondola (Gondoliers) won the Gilbert and Sullivan popularity, second only to the English stage of Shakespeare.

In 1883, Sullivan was elevated to the knighted by Queen Victoria, Gilbert was awarded this honor in 1907, when Edward VII. Gilbert died at his estate Grimz-Dyck in the town of Harrow-Wilde (Middlesex) 29 May 1911.