Composer

:

Jacques Offenbach

Genre

:

Ballet

Style

:

Ballet

Compose Date

:

1860

First Performance

:

1860

Average_duration

:

54:53

Le Papillon is a ballet composed by Jacques Offenbach in 1860. The plot of the ballet revolves around a young man named Djalma who falls in love with a fairy disguised as a butterfly, named Farfalla. The ballet is set in Brazil and follows Djalma as he embarks on a journey to find Farfalla, who has been taken captive by a sorcerer. The ballet is divided into two acts and features a total of 17 movements. The first act introduces the characters and sets the scene for the story. The second act is where the action takes place, with Djalma and Farfalla finally being reunited and the sorcerer being defeated. One of the characteristics of Le Papillon is its use of exoticism. The ballet is set in Brazil and features music and dance styles that are inspired by Brazilian culture. This was a popular trend in ballet during the 19th century, as composers and choreographers sought to incorporate elements of other cultures into their works. Another characteristic of Le Papillon is its use of pantomime. The ballet features several scenes where the dancers use gestures and facial expressions to convey the story, rather than relying solely on dance movements. This was a common technique in ballet during the 19th century and was used to help the audience understand the plot. Le Papillon premiered on February 26, 1860, at the Paris Opera. The ballet was well-received by audiences and critics alike and has since become one of Offenbach's most popular works. It has been performed by ballet companies around the world and has been adapted for film and television. Overall, Le Papillon is a charming and whimsical ballet that showcases Offenbach's talent for creating catchy melodies and lively dance music. Its use of exoticism and pantomime make it a unique and memorable work that continues to delight audiences today.

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