The Operatic Problem

In The Operatic Problem (1902), W. Johnson Galloway argues for the establishment of a "system for National Opera" in England, lamenting that England "alone in civilised Europe remained indifferent" to fostering the art form. While other nations (Italy, Germany, France) utilize state or municipal subsidies , England merely imports foreign performers, which is detrimental to native talent. Galloway insists this failure is not due to a lack of English talent, citing the historical success of "ballad operas" and composers like Purcell and Balfe.

He analyzes the failure of a major "patriotic effort" (the Royal English Opera House and its production of Ivanhoe) , arguing it was doomed by specific flaws—such as a stage "far too small for grand opera" , an "overloaded book" (libretto) , and the "folly of running [it] every night" —not by the concept of national opera itself.