Relayed from The Pump Room,
Leamington Spa
When Sullivan died in 1901 he left his last opera, The Emerald Isle, unfinished. Edward German was offered the commission to finish it, and so skilfully did he do his work that it is not easy for those who do not know to distinguish which of the music is Sullivan's and which is German's. Naturally, the next opera to be put. on at the Savoy was one all by German, Merrie England, and this work ranks in charm and merit equally with the rest of the Savoy repertory. The book was by Basil Hood and deals with the days of Queen Elizabeth. Following a long and successful run at the Savoy Theatre, it quickly reached the amateur stage, and there it stays and will stay as long as amateurs continue to love good music.

Bizet
A Programme of Gramophone Records
Presented by LESLIE HEWARD