A Most Ingenious Paradox

Reviews / Votes

Gayden Wren's book is a worthwhile and long overdue attempt to get to the heart of the Savoy operas. Music and Letters Sometimes brilliant, occasionally maddening, Wren is almost unfailingly provocative. Gramophone Wren writes with instructive insight on each work ... His assessments of aspects of character are fascinating ... Wren's analysis of The Mikado and The Gondoliers are models of their kind. Gramophone Wren's writing is clear, concise and always readable. Insightful and entertaining this is a highly recommended book. Theatre Notebook Fresh and detailed ... exploration of the development of character in the operas is one of the book's greatest strengths ... peppered with humorous insights. Theatre Notebook Wren is at his strongest when dealing with characterisation. It is fascinating to read what cultural insights he finds in his discussion of the venerable British institution of G&S ... Those producing the operas wishing to reassess their interpretation of the characters will find much to set their minds ticking. William McVicker, Classical Music Mr Wren is, in short, the very model of a modern literary critic - sometimes pretentious, often irritating, but impressively forceful in his knowledge of the text and attention to detail. Rupert Christiansen, Spectator A well thought-out, forthright and engagingly written book which will be invaluable to anyone staging Gilbert and Sullivan, to anyone who wants to increase their knowledge of their works, and might even convince those who do not like G&S that it is worth trying. Opera Now