Leo, the Royal Cadet
Encyclopedia
Leo, the Royal Cadet is a light opera with music by Oscar Ferdinand Telgmann
. The libretto was by George Frederick Cameron
. It was composed in Kingston, Ontario
, Canada
in 1889. The work centres on Nellie's love for Leo, a cadet at the Royal Military College of Canada
who becomes a hero serving during the Anglo-Zulu War
in 1879 between the British Empire
and the Zulu Empire
. The operetta focussed on typical character types, events and concerns of Telgmann and Cameron's time and place.
1875-86. The character of Leo, who leaves his sweetheart Nellie to fight the Zulus in Natal, and other cadets may be based on several early cadets who were decorated for valour. Huntley Brodie Mackay, a Royal Engineer was the first ex-cadet to win a Distinguished Service Order
, served in Bechuanaland 1884-9 and as commanding royal engineer in West Africa
1887-9. Mackay fought tribes near Sierra Leone
and became an acting administrator of the British East Africa Company. William Henry Robinson, Royal Engineer, the first ex-cadet to be killed in action
, died while attempting to blow up the gate of a stockade at Tambi near Sierra Leone. Kenneth J.R. Campbell was the first ex-cadet to be mentioned in despatches for his part in the operation against the town of Brohemie, Niger Coast Protectorate
. Sir George Norton Cory
participated in operations in Natal, South Africa in 1899 and later edited 'The Diary of Reverend Francis Owen M. A., missionary with Dingaan in 1837-38 together with extracts from the writings of the interpreters in Zulu, Messrs. Hulley and Kirkman'(Cape Town, South Africa: Van Riebeech Society, 1926).
The character Cetcho, a Zulu chief is based on Cetshwayo
. The Battalion Sergeant Major
character who sings The Royal Cadet - The Battalion Sergeant Major was the senior cadet at the Royal Military College of Canada
from 1878–1923 and 1934-42. Since 1952, the senior cadet has been known as a Cadet Wing-Commander
.
The work premiered "under the Patronage of the Commandant and Staff, and Gentleman Cadets of the Royal Military College" on 11 July 1889 at Martin's Opera House in Kingston. The opera went on to tour, in Canada and the United States. It played successfully in Kingston, Ottawa
, Guelph
, Toronto
, Woodstock, Ontario
and Utica, New York
. There were 1,700 performances in the closing years of the 19th Century and as late as 1925.
The play was not performed for 75 years. The Toronto Operetta Theatre hired Canadian composer John Greer to revise and orchestrate the piano score and Virginia Reh to revise the libretto. In 1982 excerpts from Leo, the Royal Cadet were performed at Music at Sharon (a summer concert series in Ontario) and in 1990 excerpts were performed in Toronto and Ottawa. Seven excerpts from the work were reprinted in Canadian Musical Heritage Society (CMH), vol 10.
In recent years, the musical play has been performed in Canada, for example by the Toronto Operetta Theatre. For revivals, the opera was shortened from three acts into two and 8 of the 17 characters were eliminated.
Commandant Commodore William S. Truelove (Royal Roads Military College
1985), as Honorary Patron for Toronto Operetta Theatre's Leo, The Royal Cadet, attended on Opening Night with a contingent of cadets and alumni on February 19, 2010.
The synopsis of this version is given below.
in Kingston, Ontario
. The opera opens with Leo and his beloved Nellie on picnic grounds outside the Royal Military College. Leo is recruited by Captain Bloodswigger to fight with the Zulus in Natal, Africa. Leo is awarded the Victoria Cross
for valour. The opera ends with his reunion with his true love, Nellie, on a village green on the St. Lawrence River.
. Wind, a young poet and composer friend of Leo attends the picnic in pursuit of material for his Faerie Opera. ("I am Wind"). The Ladies led by Neffie, Caroline and Madge, carry their picnic baskets ("We are maidens"). Captain Wellington Bloodswigger introduces the Royal Military College Commandant Hewitt, who introduces the new French and German professors ("The French and German professors") and invites the entire party for a tour of the College. Neffie is concerned by Leo’s plans to join the forces against the Zulus in Africa and regrets she ever listened to his words of love ("Maiden so beautiful/First Love"). The picnic party resumes ("The red sun sinks to sleep") with dances, ("The Rideau") and military hymns ("Glory and Victory"). Leo and Wind decide to serve. The commandant, noting Neffie’s distress decides to woo her for himself ("Ho, ho! My pretty maid"). The commandant decides to rid himself of Leo ("The Initiation") by ordering Captain Bloodswigger to add both Leo and Wind to the next party leaving for the war. The celebrations end with a hymn to pumpkin pie
(Farewell O Fragrant Pumpkin Pie) and tender farewells.
Leo is with a group of soldiers serving at the British Camp at Isandiwana, January 1879 ("Soldiers and our country’s pride"). He thinks of Nellie ("The days of long ago"). Leo cannot sleep and sounds the bugle upon the impending threat of the Zulus ("The moon is bright/To the field).
The Zulus demand a return of their dear native land ("Now for justice") and battle against the invader ("The Battle).
Scene 2
In the spring of 1879, Nellie and her friends are on the grounds outside the Royal Military College. Nellie is concerned that Leo may have been killed in action
(He sleeps the sleep). Caroline consoles her (True love can never alter). They remain faithful and are uninterested in romantic opportunities with Andy and his friends (We are the Dudes). The ladies mock these advances in (Some day!). Leo, Captain Wellington Bloodswigger arrive with Wind (Smile again). Wind who puts on a performance of the Wind's Faerie Opera (Wind’s Faerie Opera). All sing (Glory and Victory) as the curtain falls.
An inn in the Village of Dead-and-Alive. As the curtain rises, Gaspard, Bloodswigger, Leo, Quip, el al, are discovered about the table.
Scene 2
The Village Green. Farewell picnic to Leo
The Gates of R. M. C, Kingston. Commandant and Students enter and face Leo
Scene 2
The R. M. C. Court. The Court of the Bulldogs in full session. White sheets, masks with bulldog faces, headsman and axe, etc. Wind in night shirt, bound etc.
Scene 1
The R.M.C
Scene 2
Three months later, Isamdula. The British tents by moonlight in the distance.
Scene 3
Zululand, near Isamdula. Night. Enter Cetcho and Zulu warriors.
Scene 4
The village green in Dead and Alive. Nellie discovered sitting on a mound.
Oscar Ferdinand Telgmann
Oscar Ferdinand Telgmann was a Canadian composer of operettas, conductor and educator, and violinist best known for his operetta Leo, the Royal Cadet....
. The libretto was by George Frederick Cameron
George Frederick Cameron
George Frederick Cameron was a Canadian poet, lawyer, and journalist, best known for the libretto for the operetta Leo, the Royal Cadet.-Life:...
. It was composed in Kingston, Ontario
Kingston, Ontario
Kingston, Ontario is a Canadian city located in Eastern Ontario where the St. Lawrence River flows out of Lake Ontario. Originally a First Nations settlement called "Katarowki," , growing European exploration in the 17th Century made it an important trading post...
, Canada
Canada
Canada is a North American country consisting of ten provinces and three territories. Located in the northern part of the continent, it extends from the Atlantic Ocean in the east to the Pacific Ocean in the west, and northward into the Arctic Ocean...
in 1889. The work centres on Nellie's love for Leo, a cadet at the Royal Military College of Canada
Royal Military College of Canada
The Royal Military College of Canada, RMC, or RMCC , is the military academy of the Canadian Forces, and is a degree-granting university. RMC was established in 1876. RMC is the only federal institution in Canada with degree granting powers...
who becomes a hero serving during the Anglo-Zulu War
Anglo-Zulu War
The Anglo-Zulu War was fought in 1879 between the British Empire and the Zulu Kingdom.Following the imperialist scheme by which Lord Carnarvon had successfully brought about federation in Canada, it was thought that a similar plan might succeed with the various African kingdoms, tribal areas and...
in 1879 between the British Empire
British Empire
The British Empire comprised the dominions, colonies, protectorates, mandates and other territories ruled or administered by the United Kingdom. It originated with the overseas colonies and trading posts established by England in the late 16th and early 17th centuries. At its height, it was the...
and the Zulu Empire
Zulu Kingdom
The Zulu Kingdom, sometimes referred to as the Zulu Empire or, rather imprecisely, Zululand, was a monarchy in Southern Africa that extended along the coast of the Indian Ocean from the Tugela River in the south to Pongola River in the north....
. The operetta focussed on typical character types, events and concerns of Telgmann and Cameron's time and place.
Background
The story is loosely based on actual events. The character 'Colonel Hewett' is based on Lieutenant General Edward Osborne Hewett, who served as the first Commandant of the Royal Military College of CanadaRoyal Military College of Canada
The Royal Military College of Canada, RMC, or RMCC , is the military academy of the Canadian Forces, and is a degree-granting university. RMC was established in 1876. RMC is the only federal institution in Canada with degree granting powers...
1875-86. The character of Leo, who leaves his sweetheart Nellie to fight the Zulus in Natal, and other cadets may be based on several early cadets who were decorated for valour. Huntley Brodie Mackay, a Royal Engineer was the first ex-cadet to win a Distinguished Service Order
Distinguished Service Order
The Distinguished Service Order is a military decoration of the United Kingdom, and formerly of other parts of the British Commonwealth and Empire, awarded for meritorious or distinguished service by officers of the armed forces during wartime, typically in actual combat.Instituted on 6 September...
, served in Bechuanaland 1884-9 and as commanding royal engineer in West Africa
West Africa
West Africa or Western Africa is the westernmost region of the African continent. Geopolitically, the UN definition of Western Africa includes the following 16 countries and an area of approximately 5 million square km:-Flags of West Africa:...
1887-9. Mackay fought tribes near Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone
Sierra Leone , officially the Republic of Sierra Leone, is a country in West Africa. It is bordered by Guinea to the north and east, Liberia to the southeast, and the Atlantic Ocean to the west and southwest. Sierra Leone covers a total area of and has an estimated population between 5.4 and 6.4...
and became an acting administrator of the British East Africa Company. William Henry Robinson, Royal Engineer, the first ex-cadet to be killed in action
Killed in action
Killed in action is a casualty classification generally used by militaries to describe the deaths of their own forces at the hands of hostile forces. The United States Department of Defense, for example, says that those declared KIA need not have fired their weapons but have been killed due to...
, died while attempting to blow up the gate of a stockade at Tambi near Sierra Leone. Kenneth J.R. Campbell was the first ex-cadet to be mentioned in despatches for his part in the operation against the town of Brohemie, Niger Coast Protectorate
Niger Coast Protectorate
The Niger Coast Protectorate was a British protectorate in the Oil Rivers area of present-day Nigeria, originally established as the Oil Rivers Protectorate in 1891 and confirmed at the Berlin Conference the following year, renamed on 12 May 1893, and merged with the chartered territories of the...
. Sir George Norton Cory
George Norton Cory
General Sir George Norton Cory KBE, CB, DSO was a Canadian born and educated soldier who served with the British Army in India, South Africa and Canada and during the Boer War, World War I and World War II.-Education:...
participated in operations in Natal, South Africa in 1899 and later edited 'The Diary of Reverend Francis Owen M. A., missionary with Dingaan in 1837-38 together with extracts from the writings of the interpreters in Zulu, Messrs. Hulley and Kirkman'(Cape Town, South Africa: Van Riebeech Society, 1926).
The character Cetcho, a Zulu chief is based on Cetshwayo
Cetshwayo
Cetshwayo kaMpande was the King of the Zulu Kingdom from 1872 to 1879 and their leader during the Anglo-Zulu War . His name has been transliterated as Cetawayo, Cetewayo, Cetywajo and Ketchwayo.- Early life :...
. The Battalion Sergeant Major
Sergeant Major
Sergeants major is a senior non-commissioned rank or appointment in many militaries around the world. In Commonwealth countries, Sergeants Major are usually appointments held by senior non-commissioned officers or warrant officers...
character who sings The Royal Cadet - The Battalion Sergeant Major was the senior cadet at the Royal Military College of Canada
Royal Military College of Canada
The Royal Military College of Canada, RMC, or RMCC , is the military academy of the Canadian Forces, and is a degree-granting university. RMC was established in 1876. RMC is the only federal institution in Canada with degree granting powers...
from 1878–1923 and 1934-42. Since 1952, the senior cadet has been known as a Cadet Wing-Commander
Distinguished Service Cross (United Kingdom)
The Distinguished Service Cross is the third level military decoration awarded to officers, and other ranks, of the British Armed Forces, Royal Fleet Auxiliary and British Merchant Navy and formerly also to officers of other Commonwealth countries.The DSC, which may be awarded posthumously, is...
.
Performance history
Musical dramas such as Leo, the Royal Cadet were important entertainment in the 19th century.The work premiered "under the Patronage of the Commandant and Staff, and Gentleman Cadets of the Royal Military College" on 11 July 1889 at Martin's Opera House in Kingston. The opera went on to tour, in Canada and the United States. It played successfully in Kingston, Ottawa
Ottawa
Ottawa is the capital of Canada, the second largest city in the Province of Ontario, and the fourth largest city in the country. The city is located on the south bank of the Ottawa River in the eastern portion of Southern Ontario...
, Guelph
Guelph
Guelph is a city in Ontario, Canada.Guelph may also refer to:* Guelph , consisting of the City of Guelph, Ontario* Guelph , as the above* University of Guelph, in the same city...
, Toronto
Toronto
Toronto is the provincial capital of Ontario and the largest city in Canada. It is located in Southern Ontario on the northwestern shore of Lake Ontario. A relatively modern city, Toronto's history dates back to the late-18th century, when its land was first purchased by the British monarchy from...
, Woodstock, Ontario
Woodstock, Ontario
Woodstock is a city and the county seat of Oxford County in Southern Ontario, Canada. Woodstock is located 128 km southwest of Toronto, north of Highway 401 along the historic Thames River...
and Utica, New York
Utica, New York
Utica is a city in and the county seat of Oneida County, New York, United States. The population was 62,235 at the 2010 census, an increase of 2.6% from the 2000 census....
. There were 1,700 performances in the closing years of the 19th Century and as late as 1925.
The play was not performed for 75 years. The Toronto Operetta Theatre hired Canadian composer John Greer to revise and orchestrate the piano score and Virginia Reh to revise the libretto. In 1982 excerpts from Leo, the Royal Cadet were performed at Music at Sharon (a summer concert series in Ontario) and in 1990 excerpts were performed in Toronto and Ottawa. Seven excerpts from the work were reprinted in Canadian Musical Heritage Society (CMH), vol 10.
In recent years, the musical play has been performed in Canada, for example by the Toronto Operetta Theatre. For revivals, the opera was shortened from three acts into two and 8 of the 17 characters were eliminated.
Commandant Commodore William S. Truelove (Royal Roads Military College
Royal Roads Military College
Royal Roads Military College was a Canadian military college located in Hatley Park, Colwood, British Columbia near Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. The facility is currently being used as the campus for Royal Roads University, a public university that offers applied and professional academic...
1985), as Honorary Patron for Toronto Operetta Theatre's Leo, The Royal Cadet, attended on Opening Night with a contingent of cadets and alumni on February 19, 2010.
The synopsis of this version is given below.
Roles
| Role | Voice type | Premiere Cast, 11 July 1889 (Conductor:) |
|---|---|---|
| Leo, a gentleman cadet | tenor Tenor The tenor is a type of male singing voice and is the highest male voice within the modal register. The typical tenor voice lies between C3, the C one octave below middle C, to the A above middle C in choral music, and up to high C in solo work. The low extreme for tenors is roughly B2... |
|
| Wind, a poet | tenor | |
| Andy, a "dude" | baritone Baritone Baritone is a type of male singing voice that lies between the bass and tenor voices. It is the most common male voice. Originally from the Greek , meaning deep sounding, music for this voice is typically written in the range from the second F below middle C to the F above middle C Baritone (or... |
|
| Phillip, a soldier | ||
| Capt. Bloodswigger, R. M. C. | baritone | |
| Colonel Hewett, the Commandant of the Royal Military College of Canada | baritone | |
| The German professor, R. M. C | tenor | |
| The French professor, R. M. C. | tenor | |
| Nellie, Leo's sweetheart | soprano Soprano A soprano is a voice type with a vocal range from approximately middle C to "high A" in choral music, or to "soprano C" or higher in operatic music. In four-part chorale style harmony, the soprano takes the highest part, which usually encompasses the melody... |
|
| Caroline, a friend of Capt. Bloodswigger | mezzo-soprano Mezzo-soprano A mezzo-soprano is a type of classical female singing voice whose range lies between the soprano and the contralto singing voices, usually extending from the A below middle C to the A two octaves above... |
|
| Madge, a friend of Wind | ||
| The headsman, Ketcho, a Zulu chief | bass-baritone Bass-baritone A bass-baritone is a high-lying bass or low-lying "classical" baritone voice type which shares certain qualities with the true baritone voice. The term arose in the late 19th century to describe the particular type of voice required to sing three Wagnerian roles: the Dutchman in Der fliegende... |
|
Synopsis (revised two-act version)
The opera is a light-hearted piece about love and war which traces the career of Leo before, during, and after he entered the Royal Military College of CanadaRoyal Military College of Canada
The Royal Military College of Canada, RMC, or RMCC , is the military academy of the Canadian Forces, and is a degree-granting university. RMC was established in 1876. RMC is the only federal institution in Canada with degree granting powers...
in Kingston, Ontario
Kingston, Ontario
Kingston, Ontario is a Canadian city located in Eastern Ontario where the St. Lawrence River flows out of Lake Ontario. Originally a First Nations settlement called "Katarowki," , growing European exploration in the 17th Century made it an important trading post...
. The opera opens with Leo and his beloved Nellie on picnic grounds outside the Royal Military College. Leo is recruited by Captain Bloodswigger to fight with the Zulus in Natal, Africa. Leo is awarded the Victoria Cross
Victoria Cross
The Victoria Cross is the highest military decoration awarded for valour "in the face of the enemy" to members of the armed forces of various Commonwealth countries, and previous British Empire territories....
for valour. The opera ends with his reunion with his true love, Nellie, on a village green on the St. Lawrence River.
Act 1
The opera opens on the picnic grounds outside the Royal Military College of Canada in Kingston, Queen Victoria’s birthday, May 1878. Leo the Royal Cadet and his sweetheart Nellie are enjoying a picnic party. Captain Wellington Bloodswigger takes the opportunity to recruit officers for the Anglo-Zulu warAnglo-Zulu War
The Anglo-Zulu War was fought in 1879 between the British Empire and the Zulu Kingdom.Following the imperialist scheme by which Lord Carnarvon had successfully brought about federation in Canada, it was thought that a similar plan might succeed with the various African kingdoms, tribal areas and...
. Wind, a young poet and composer friend of Leo attends the picnic in pursuit of material for his Faerie Opera. ("I am Wind"). The Ladies led by Neffie, Caroline and Madge, carry their picnic baskets ("We are maidens"). Captain Wellington Bloodswigger introduces the Royal Military College Commandant Hewitt, who introduces the new French and German professors ("The French and German professors") and invites the entire party for a tour of the College. Neffie is concerned by Leo’s plans to join the forces against the Zulus in Africa and regrets she ever listened to his words of love ("Maiden so beautiful/First Love"). The picnic party resumes ("The red sun sinks to sleep") with dances, ("The Rideau") and military hymns ("Glory and Victory"). Leo and Wind decide to serve. The commandant, noting Neffie’s distress decides to woo her for himself ("Ho, ho! My pretty maid"). The commandant decides to rid himself of Leo ("The Initiation") by ordering Captain Bloodswigger to add both Leo and Wind to the next party leaving for the war. The celebrations end with a hymn to pumpkin pie
Pumpkin pie
Pumpkin pie is a traditional sweet dessert, often eaten during the fall and early winter, especially for Thanksgiving and Christmas in the United States and Canada. The pumpkin is a symbol of harvest time and featured also at Halloween....
(Farewell O Fragrant Pumpkin Pie) and tender farewells.
Act 2
Scene 1Leo is with a group of soldiers serving at the British Camp at Isandiwana, January 1879 ("Soldiers and our country’s pride"). He thinks of Nellie ("The days of long ago"). Leo cannot sleep and sounds the bugle upon the impending threat of the Zulus ("The moon is bright/To the field).
The Zulus demand a return of their dear native land ("Now for justice") and battle against the invader ("The Battle).
Scene 2
In the spring of 1879, Nellie and her friends are on the grounds outside the Royal Military College. Nellie is concerned that Leo may have been killed in action
Killed in action
Killed in action is a casualty classification generally used by militaries to describe the deaths of their own forces at the hands of hostile forces. The United States Department of Defense, for example, says that those declared KIA need not have fired their weapons but have been killed due to...
(He sleeps the sleep). Caroline consoles her (True love can never alter). They remain faithful and are uninterested in romantic opportunities with Andy and his friends (We are the Dudes). The ladies mock these advances in (Some day!). Leo, Captain Wellington Bloodswigger arrive with Wind (Smile again). Wind who puts on a performance of the Wind's Faerie Opera (Wind’s Faerie Opera). All sing (Glory and Victory) as the curtain falls.
Act 1
Scene 1An inn in the Village of Dead-and-Alive. As the curtain rises, Gaspard, Bloodswigger, Leo, Quip, el al, are discovered about the table.
- Drinking Song (Gaspard)
- SocialismSocialismSocialism is an economic system characterized by social ownership of the means of production and cooperative management of the economy; or a political philosophy advocating such a system. "Social ownership" may refer to any one of, or a combination of, the following: cooperative enterprises,...
(Schouvaloff) - The BohemianBohemianA Bohemian is a resident of the former Kingdom of Bohemia, either in a narrow sense as the region of Bohemia proper or in a wider meaning as the whole country, now known as the Czech Republic. The word "Bohemian" was used to denote the Czech people as well as the Czech language before the word...
(Gaspard) - Glory and Victory (Bloodswigger)
Scene 2
The Village Green. Farewell picnic to Leo
- The Red Sun Sinks to Sleep (Villagers)
- The Cross-cut Saw" (Bellows)
- Hie Away - Fly Away (Caroline)
- Farewell O Fragrant Pumpkin Pie (Leo)
Act 2
Scene 1The Gates of R. M. C, Kingston. Commandant and Students enter and face Leo
- Glory and Victory (students)
Scene 2
The R. M. C. Court. The Court of the Bulldogs in full session. White sheets, masks with bulldog faces, headsman and axe, etc. Wind in night shirt, bound etc.
- The Bulldogs (Sheriff and student chorus)
- Judge's Song (Judge)
- The Resurrectionists
Act 3
Outside the gates of R.M.C.Scene 1
The R.M.C
- Ensemble (Nellie and Maidens)
- I Met him in the Far-Away (Nellie)
- Though Thou Could'st Offer (Nellie)
- Maiden So Beautiful (Leo)
- First Love (Nellie and Leo)
- O Maidens Fair (Battalion Sergeant Major (senior cadet) and chorus of Cadets)
- The Royal Cadet (Battalion Sergeant Major (senior cadet))
- I am Wind (Wind)
- Farewell (Leo, Nellie, Bloodswigger, Caroline)
Scene 2
Three months later, Isamdula. The British tents by moonlight in the distance.
- The Days of Long Ago (Leo)
- The Moon is Bright (Leo)
- The Flag of Fatherland (Soldiers)
Scene 3
Zululand, near Isamdula. Night. Enter Cetcho and Zulu warriors.
- The Stars As They Look (Cetcho)
Scene 4
The village green in Dead and Alive. Nellie discovered sitting on a mound.
- He Sleeps the Sleep (Nellie)
- True Love Can Never Alter (Caroline, Nellie and Maidens)
- Glory and Victory! (All)
Recordings
- 'Leo, The Royal Cadet: Recitative: Duet' Vocal Recital: Dibblee, Sally / Braun, Russell - (Le Souvenir - Canadian Songs for Parlour and Stage)
External links
- Cameron, George Frederick, 1854-1885 Leo, the Royal Cadet (microform) Kingston, Ontario
- George Frederick Cameron 'Leo, the Royal Cadet' Kingston, Ont. : s.n., 1889 1 microfiche (22 images) Nova Scotia Archives & Records Management
- Leo, the Royal Cadet microform (1889) Cameron, George Frederick, 1854-1885; Telgmann, Oscar F was filmed from a copy of the original publication held by the National Library of Canada