Composer

:

Jacques Offenbach

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Operetta

First Performance

:

1878

Madame Favart is an opera comique in three acts composed by Jacques Offenbach. The libretto was written by Alfred Duru and Henri Chivot, and the opera was first performed on December 16, 1878, at the Theatre des Folies-Dramatiques in Paris. The plot of Madame Favart revolves around the life of the famous French actress, Madame Favart, who was known for her beauty and talent. The story takes place in the 18th century and follows the adventures of Madame Favart and her husband, Charles-Simon Favart, who was a playwright and director. The first act of the opera takes place in a Parisian theater, where Madame Favart is performing in a play. She is admired by many, including the Duke of Richelieu, who is infatuated with her. Madame Favart's husband, Charles-Simon, is jealous of the Duke's attention and tries to keep him away from his wife. In the second act, Madame Favart and Charles-Simon are forced to flee Paris due to a debt they owe. They end up in a small town where they are mistaken for a wealthy couple and are welcomed by the locals. Madame Favart is courted by the town's mayor, but she remains faithful to her husband. The third act takes place back in Paris, where Madame Favart is once again performing in a play. The Duke of Richelieu tries to win her over, but she remains loyal to her husband. In the end, the couple is reunited and their debts are paid off, allowing them to continue their careers in the theater. Madame Favart is known for its lively and catchy music, which includes several memorable arias and duets. The opera also features a number of dance sequences, including a lively can-can in the first act. Overall, Madame Favart is a charming and entertaining opera that showcases Offenbach's talent for composing light-hearted and humorous works. Its premiere was a great success, and it remains a popular work in the operatic repertoire to this day.

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