Main tag based on greatest number of listeners: Gilbert & Sullivan. Sir William Schwenck Gilbert (1836-1911) was born in London and originally trained as a lawyer. He started out by writing humourous poetry and his collaboration with Sullivan gave him the ability to create absurd characters and lyrics. Sir Arthur Seymour Sullivan (1842-1900) was also born in London. He was taught music by his father and continued his training at the Royal Academy of Music and the Leipzig conservatory.