No 41 -- Spring 1993 Edited by Michael Walters
In January 1993, I received an anonymous note through the post. It was typed on a single sheet of A5 paper, and the postmark on the envelope (from the UK) was illegible. It read as follows:
I and others hope that you will respond to Brian Jones' review of "Princess Ida" in the G and S News. You write so well and are the most knowledgable person to do so.
Also, what about correcting Arthur Jacobs' statement that the old D'Oyly Carte "often used and [sic] outside artist for the role of Princess Ida" [this is actually not an exact quote] in the January 1993 issue of 'Opera.'?
Some years ago I received an anonymous note of a similar nature (which I ignored) regarding the Lloyd and Wilson picture history. This may or may not have come from the same source. I wish to make it clear that I do not care to receive anonymous notes. If a person has a valid point to make to me, he/she should have enough courage to sign the letter. Nor have I anything but contempt for sycophancy (I view an anonymous note as an insult). I had, of course, every intention of reviewing Princess Ida, and it will be obvious to everyone who reads both reviews that I do not at all agree with Brian Jones's view. (His review appears in G&S NEWS, November 1992, p. 13). However, he has a perfect right to his views, and the editor of G&S NEWS has a right to publish them. To write to the journal in protest would be unprofessional. In the case of Arthur Jacobs, it is in fact true that the old D'Oyly Carte did sometimes import artists for the role of Princess Ida, the only word in dispute is "often" (but not orphan!). I have not the least intention of writing to Opera with such a quibble – if I did, my letter would certainly not be printed!
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