Jacques Offenbach did not call Le Voyage dans la Lune (1877) ("The Voyage to the Moon") an operetta or opéra-bouffe but rather an opéra-féerie, or fairy opera, which indicated a more elaborate production emphasizing scene design and special effects. The opera is based on a novel by Jules Verne. (Those who get the chance should also check out the silent film of this.) It was a huge success in its time, not only holding the stage for months in Paris but also being mounted in London and Vienna. It is easy to see why it ...
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Jacques Offenbach did not call Le Voyage dans la Lune (1877) ("The Voyage to the Moon") an operetta or opéra-bouffe but rather an opéra-féerie, or fairy opera, which indicated a more elaborate production emphasizing scene design and special effects. The opera is based on a novel by Jules Verne. (Those who get the chance should also check out the silent film of this.) It was a huge success in its time, not only holding the stage for months in Paris but also being mounted in London and Vienna. It is easy to see why it disappeared from the repertory in the less sumptuous 20th century; no fewer than 647 costumes are required, not to mention a dromedary, a wind machine, and, ideally, a model of the moon for the front lobby. There are two full-scale ballets of dancing girls, one with chimeras and one with snowflakes. So this release from the Palazzetto Bru Zane label does a valuable service by reviving the work. It may seem like a specialist release with its hefty hardback "booklet," complete with purple...
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