Composer

:

Jacques Offenbach

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Operetta

First Performance

:

1874

Madame l'archiduc is an opera bouffe in three acts composed by Jacques Offenbach. The libretto was written by Henri Meilhac and Ludovic Halévy, and the opera was first performed on October 3, 1874, at the Théâtre des Variétés in Paris. The plot of Madame l'archiduc revolves around the Archduke of Pfennig-Halbpfennig, who is in love with a commoner named Juliette. However, his father, the Grand Duke, disapproves of the match and arranges for his son to marry the wealthy Madame de la Haltière instead. The Archduke is devastated but agrees to the marriage, hoping to find a way to be with Juliette. Meanwhile, Madame de la Haltière is also in love with someone else, a young man named Frantz. She enlists the help of her maid, Madame Berlingot, to help her sneak out of the palace and meet Frantz. However, their plans are foiled when the Archduke catches them in the act. In the end, the Archduke and Juliette are able to be together, and Madame de la Haltière and Frantz also find happiness with each other. Madame l'archiduc is known for its lively and humorous music, with catchy tunes and witty lyrics. The opera features several memorable musical numbers, including the famous "Galop infernal" (also known as the "Can-can"), which has become one of Offenbach's most well-known pieces. Overall, Madame l'archiduc is a charming and entertaining opera that showcases Offenbach's talent for creating light-hearted and enjoyable music. Its premiere in 1874 was a great success, and the opera continues to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world today.

More....