The Smugglers

~ Release by John Philip Sousa (see all versions of this release, 1 available)

Annotation

The Smugglers, composed in 1881, was the first fully produced operetta with music composed by John Philip Sousa. The libretto was written by Wilson Vance, a friend of his, who also wrote the libretto to another Sousa operetta Katherine (1879), which was never produced. The Smugglers is made up of two acts. It was based on the Arthur Sullivan and F.C. Burnand opera The Contrabandista.

Two versions of The Smugglers were produced. An "1881" edition and a "1882 revision". The original "1881 edition" libretto has been lost. However, the "1882 revision" libretto, which was also once considered lost, is located at Bowling Green State University,Ohio.The libretto has been copied and transcribed for easier reading by Arthur O’Dwyer in 2025.The piano/vocal score was published by W. F. Shaw, Philadelphia, in 1881.

Annotation last modified on 2025-09-03 20:52 UTC.

Tracklist

1▼Digital Media
#TitleRatingLength
1Overture
4:09
2Opening Chorus: Smugglers We
2:46
3Scene: Silence, At Your Stations Hie!
4:47
4Song: The widow's life's a lonely one
1:06
5Scene and Solo: When the Storms of Life
1:51
6Quintet: Ah, Love, Kind Love
3:03
7Ballad: The Maiden Sat with Folded Hands
1:24
8Duet: Come to These Arms that Long to Hold Thee!
1:50
9Song: I've Leapt and I've Climbed Like a Blawsted Goat
2:21
10Quintet and Chorus: It Matters Not
4:08
11Trio and Chorus: He is a Spy
1:22
12Finale: Rouse Thee, and Put Thine Armor On!
3:18
13Entre Act
2:58
14Introduction and Duet: How Slowly Fades the Sun
3:53
15Song: I'm a Robber Free and Bold
1:47
16Trio: Do with your Flocks and Herds
2:53
17Coronation Scene: We Hail Our New-Found King!
4:14
18Duet: Canst Thou Turn Away
3:02
19Song: Free Hearts of Spain
1:31
20Song and Chorus: Wine! Wine!
2:50
21Duet: Sighing, Ah, Sighing
1:41
22Soldier's chorus: Let us march along
2:04
23Scene and Chorus: Battle Song
6:17
24Finale
0:52