Search results
Operetta provides an alternative to operatic performances in an accessible form targeting a different audience. Operetta became a recognizable form in the mid-19th century in France, and its popularity led to the development of many national styles of operetta.
operetta, musical-dramatic production similar in structure to a light opera but characteristically having a romantically sentimental plot interspersed with songs, orchestral music, and rather elaborate dancing scenes, along with spoken dialogue.
- The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica
An operetta falls somewhere between an opera and a musical – like a musical, an operetta (most often) contains spoken dialogue, as well as song. Operettas are often satirical and witty, and tend to be much shorter and less complex than traditional operas.
Operetta became hugely popular in America in the nineteenth century, in no small part thanks to works by the likes of Gilbert and Sullivan and Johann Strauss. In addition, the operetta is the precursor of modern musical theater.
ComposerNationalityKey Work (s)WrotePaul AbrahamHungaryVictoria and Her Hussar (1930) (7 total)1930-1937Edmond AudranFranceLa fille à Cacolet (1889) (total 29 ...1889-1897Ralph BenatskyAustrian GermanWhite Horse Inn (1930) (total 3 plus many ...1928-1930Manuel Fernandez CaballeroSpanishLa marsellesa (1876)1834-1906Oct 15, 2012 · Jonathan Miller's dazzlingly inventive and stunningly stylish production of Gilbert and Sullivan's most popular operetta.For more information visit http://ww...
- 1 min
- 27.8K
- OfficialLondonTheatre
Spoofing the Greek legend of Orpheus descending into hell to save his beloved Eurydice (poking fun at Gluck’s grand opera about the same characters), Orfee and its catchy "Can-Can" became an international sensation. Altogether, Offenbach composed over one hundred operettas.
What is an operetta? An operetta is a short opera, usually on a light or comedic theme and typically having spoken dialogue. The ultimate resource for operettas including study guides for operettas, popular composers and famous songs
