''Leo, the Royal Cadet'' is a light opera with music by Oscar Ferdinand Telgmann. The libretto was by

George Frederick Cameron George Frederick Cameron (24 September 1854 – 17 September 1885) was a Canadian poet, lawyer, and journalist, best known for the libretto for the operetta '' Leo, the Royal Cadet''. Life He was born in New Glasgow, Nova Scotia, the son of Ja ...

. It was composed in

Kingston, Ontario Kingston is a city in Ontario, Canada. It is located on the north-eastern end of Lake Ontario, at the beginning of the St. Lawrence River and at the mouth of the Cataraqui River (south end of the Rideau Canal). The city is midway between To ...

, Canada in 1889. The work centres on Nellie's love for Leo, a cadet at the

Royal Military College of Canada '') , established = 1876 , type = Military academy , chancellor = Anita Anand ('' la, ex officio, label=none'' as Defence Minister) , principal = Harry Kowal , head_label ...

who becomes a hero serving during the

Anglo-Zulu War The Anglo-Zulu War was fought in 1879 between the British Empire and the Zulu Kingdom. Following the passing of the British North America Act of 1867 forming a federation in Canada, Lord Carnarvon thought that a similar political effort, cou ...

in 1879 between the

British Empire The British Empire was composed of the dominions, colonies, protectorates, mandates, and other territories ruled or administered by the United Kingdom and its predecessor states. It began with the overseas possessions and trading posts e ...

and the

Zulu Empire The Zulu Kingdom (, ), sometimes referred to as the Zulu Empire or the Kingdom of Zululand, was a monarchy in Southern Africa. During the 1810s, Shaka established a modern standing army that consolidated rival clans and built a large following ...

. 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 Colonel

Edward Osborne Hewett Major-General Edward Osborne Hewett (25 September 1835 – 3 June 1897) was a British Army officer and member of the Royal Engineers who was the first Commandant of the Royal Military College of Canada. He chose the Royal Military College's mo ...

, C.M.G. who served as the first Commandant of the

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 The Corps of Royal Engineers, usually called the Royal Engineers (RE), and commonly known as the ''Sappers'', is a corps of the British Army. It provides military engineering and other technical support to the British Armed Forces and is heade ...

was the first ex-cadet to win a

Distinguished Service Order The Distinguished Service Order (DSO) is a military decoration of the United Kingdom, as well as formerly of other parts of the Commonwealth, awarded for meritorious or distinguished service by officers of the armed forces during wartime, ty ...

, served in Bechuanaland 1884-9 and as commanding royal engineer in

West Africa West Africa or Western Africa is the westernmost region of Africa. The United Nations defines Western Africa as the 16 countries of Benin, Burkina Faso, Cape Verde, The Gambia, Ghana, Guinea, Guinea-Bissau, Ivory Coast, Liberia, Mali, M ...

1887-9. Mackay fought tribes near

Sierra Leone Sierra Leone,)]. officially the Republic of Sierra Leone, is a country on the southwest coast of West Africa. It is bordered by Liberia to the southeast and Guinea surrounds the northern half of the nation. Covering a total area of , Sierr ...

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 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 1884 and confirmed at the Berlin Conference the following year. It was renamed on 12 ...

. 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 King Cetshwayo kaMpande (; ; 1826 – 8 February 1884) was the king of the Zulu Kingdom from 1873 to 1879 and its Commander in Chief during the Anglo-Zulu War of 1879. His name has been transliterated as Cetawayo, Cetewayo, Cetywajo and Ketchw ...

. The Battalion

Sergeant Major Sergeant major is a senior non-commissioned rank or appointment in many militaries around the world. History In 16th century Spain, the ("sergeant major") was a general officer. He commanded an army's infantry, and ranked about third in th ...

character who sings ''The Royal Cadet - The Battalion Sergeant Major'' was the senior cadet at the

from 1878–1923 and 1934-42. Since 1952, the senior cadet has been known as a Cadet Wing-Commander.

Performance history

Leo, the Royal Cadet Opera based on Royal Military College of Canada

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,

Guelph Guelph ( ; 2021 Canadian Census population 143,740) is a city in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. Known as "The Royal City", Guelph is roughly east of Kitchener and west of Downtown Toronto, at the intersection of Highway 6, Highway 7 and Wel ...

Toronto Toronto ( ; or ) is the capital city of the Canadian province of Ontario. With a recorded population of 2,794,356 in 2021, it is the most populous city in Canada and the fourth most populous city in North America. The city is the anch ...

Woodstock, Ontario Woodstock is a city in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. The city has a population of 40,902 according to the 2016 Canadian census. Woodstock is the seat of Oxford County, at the head of the non-navigable Thames River, approximately 128 km from ...

and

Utica, New York Utica () is a city in the Mohawk Valley and the county seat of Oneida County, New York, United States. The tenth-most-populous city in New York State, its population was 65,283 in the 2020 U.S. Census. Located on the Mohawk River at the ...

. 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 (RRMC) was a Canadian military college from 1940 to 1995, located in Hatley Park, Colwood, British Columbia, near Victoria, British Columbia, Canada. The facility now serves as the campus of Royal Roads University, a ...

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

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

. 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 The Victoria Cross (VC) is the highest and most prestigious award of the British honours system. It is awarded for valour "in the presence of the enemy" to members of the British Armed Forces and may be awarded posthumously. It was previously ...

for valour. The opera ends with his reunion with his true love, Nellie, on a village green on the

St. Lawrence River The St. Lawrence River (french: Fleuve Saint-Laurent, ) is a large river in the middle latitudes of North America. Its headwaters begin flowing from Lake Ontario in a (roughly) northeasterly direction, into the Gulf of St. Lawrence, connecting ...

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 war The Anglo-Zulu War was fought in 1879 between the British Empire and the Zulu Kingdom. Following the passing of the British North America Act of 1867 forming a federation in Canada, Lord Carnarvon thought that a similar political effort, cou ...

. 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 Nellie, 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. Nellie 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 Nellie’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 is a dessert pie with a spiced, pumpkin-based custard filling. The pumpkin and pumpkin pie are both a symbol of harvest time, and pumpkin pie is generally eaten during the fall and early winter. In the United States and Canada it is u ...

(''Farewell O Fragrant Pumpkin Pie'') and tender farewells.

Act 2

;Scene 1 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.

Musical numbers (original three-act version)

Act 1

;Scene 1 An 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) *

Socialism Socialism is a left-wing Economic ideology, economic philosophy and Political movement, movement encompassing a range of economic systems characterized by the dominance of social ownership of the means of production as opposed to Private prop ...

(Schouvaloff) * The

Bohemian Bohemian or Bohemians may refer to: *Anything of or relating to Bohemia Beer * National Bohemian, a brand brewed by Pabst * Bohemian, a brand of beer brewed by Molson Coors Culture and arts * Bohemianism, an unconventional lifestyle, origin ...

(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 1 The 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)Opera and Operetta Excerpts: Leo, the Royal Cadet - I Met him in the Far-Away
Cliffordfordpublications.ca
/ref> * 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)

References

* Brian Kennedy ''The Baron Bold and the Beauteous Maid: A Compact History of Canadian Theatre'' August 2006 Theatre Communications Group Scene 4 G. F. Cameron and Oscar Telgmann, Leo, the royal cadet 31-45

External links

Cameron, George Frederick, 1854-1885 ''Leo, the Royal Cadet'' (microform) Kingston, OntarioGeorge Frederick Cameron 'Leo, the Royal Cadet' Kingston, Ont. : s.n., 1889 1 microfiche (22 images) Nova Scotia Archives & Records ManagementLeo, 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
{{DEFAULTSORT:Leo, The Royal Cadet Operas English-language operettas Royal Military College of Canada Operas set in Canada 1889 operas

Background

Performance history

Roles

Synopsis (revised two-act version)

Act 1

Act 2

Musical numbers (original three-act version)

Act 1

Act 2

Act 3

Recordings

See also

References

External links