[Gilbert, W.S. (1836-1911) & Sullivan, Arthur. (1842-1900)] Sullivan, Arthur. (1842-1900). Autograph Letter regarding the Song "St. Agnes' Eve.". Autograph letter of the British composer best known for his collaborations on more than a dozen classic comic operas with librettist W. S. Gilbert. 2 pp (recto/verso), dated December 6, 1879. Sullivan writes to a Mr. Day, in part: "I hope you received the music safely...I cannot get a harp part of "St. Agnes' Eve" and unless Miss Abell has one, I do not know what we can do. It is a most essential feature in the song, + we can scarcely do it without the harp....Please do not forget to send me a proof of the programme."



Composed for Fanny Ronalds, Sullivan's lifelong companion, the overall plan of the piece, from the repeated notes of the melody in the opening phrase to the fortissimo conclusion, is reminiscent of The Lost Chord, which was already, two years after publication, Sullivan's most successful song, and one which Mrs. Ronalds had sung with signal success. This song gave her an opportunity to try and repeat that success.