Sullivan, Arthur Seymour

(May 13, 1842-Nov. 22, 1900). English composer. He was born in London. Sullivan was educated as a chorister in the Chapel Royal (1854-1858), the Royal Academy of Music, and at Leipzig Conservatory. Sullivan was best known for his famous Savoy Operas, with texts by William S. Gilbert. Sullivan was also highly respected as a church musician, hymnal editor, and composer of orchestral and choral music and songs. Between 1861 and 1871 he was organist of two London parishes. Sullivan was music editor of Church Hymns with Tunes (1874). Sullivan's Hymn Tunes (London, 1902) was a collection of original tunes and arrangements. He was knighted in 1883. Although his tunes were very popular in their day, their use has diminished in more recent decades. His original tunes in The Hymnal 1982 include Fortunatus, used with the text “'Welcome, happy morning!' age to age shall say” (Hymn 179), St. Kevin, used with the text “Come, ye faithful, raise the strain of triumphant gladness!” (Hymn 199), and St. Gertrude, used with the text “Onward, Christian soldiers” (Hymn 562). He was also the arranger for Noel, used with the texts “It came upon the midnight clear” (Hymn 90) and “Praise God for John, evangelist” (Hymn 245). Sullivan died in London.