Fletcher, Banister.
Fletcher, C. R. L.
60.—Music is not usually treated upon the supposition that the librettist is joint-author with the composer. The latter is always regarded as the author and the entry given under his name only. The reason for this is that in the case of operas, oratorios, and the like the libretto is a mere secondary matter and the books are placed in libraries for the music only, and in the vocal scores of operas there is seldom a complete libretto. In this way the Gilbert-Sullivan operas are entered only under Sullivan, and if thought desirable a reference may be given from Gilbert, but it is not essential. The following is from the title-page of one of these operas.
“An entirely new and æsthetic opera in two acts entitled ‘Patience; or, Bunthorne’s bride,’ written by W. S. Gilbert, composed by Arthur Sullivan, arranged from the full score by Berthold Tours. London.”
Properly adapted this would appear in the catalogue as
Sullivan, Sir Arthur S.
Patience; or, Bunthorne’s bride: opera; arranged by Berthold Tours. (Vocal score.) pp. 117. 4o. n.d.
It is hardly necessary to say that if on the other hand the libretto only of an opera or similar work were in the library, the entry would be given under the librettist, and the composer would be ignored, as there would be none of his work in the book.
Occasionally an exception to these rules will arise, and would be found in a book like
Moore’s Irish melodies; with accompaniments by M. W. Balfe.