Jacques Offenbach was a remarkably productive composer; over the course of his career he wrote more than 90 operettas and opéras-comiques, and in 1868, the year Vert-Vert received its premiere at l'Opéra Comique, he produced four full-length works. It's no wonder, then, that not everything he wrote was at the highest level of inspiration; it's perhaps more surprising that so much of it is of such high quality. Vert-Vert has a silly libretto, and Offenbach matches its levity with spirited music that doesn't always take ...
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Jacques Offenbach was a remarkably productive composer; over the course of his career he wrote more than 90 operettas and opéras-comiques, and in 1868, the year Vert-Vert received its premiere at l'Opéra Comique, he produced four full-length works. It's no wonder, then, that not everything he wrote was at the highest level of inspiration; it's perhaps more surprising that so much of it is of such high quality. Vert-Vert has a silly libretto, and Offenbach matches its levity with spirited music that doesn't always take itself seriously. There are stretches that are predictably formulaic, but even those are always graceful and executed with skill and professionalism. And there are many moments that are genuinely lovely, such as the duet "Lorsque l'on est amoureux" and the tenor solos "Le bateau marchait lentement" and "L'heureux enfant qui gardera vertu," or sublimely ridiculous, such as the dancing lesson that opens the third act. Vert-Vert is not likely to displace the more famous Offenbach operettas...
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Seller's Description:
Fair. Ex-Library rental. Disc(s) are professionally cleaned and may contain only light scratches that do not effect functionality. Includes disc(s), case, booklet, and back artwork. Disc(s), case, booklet, and back artwork may contain library/security stickers and ink writing. Case and artwork may show some wear. Case may not be an original jewel case. All disc(s) are authentic.
