Composer

:

Jacques Offenbach

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Operetta

First Performance

:

1859

Un mari à la porte is an opera composed by Jacques Offenbach, with a libretto by Ludovic Halévy and Henri Meilhac. The opera was composed in 1859 and premiered on December 17, 1859, at the Théâtre des Bouffes-Parisiens in Paris. The plot of the opera revolves around a young woman named Gabrielle who is married to a wealthy man named Baron de la Glacière. However, Gabrielle is unhappy in her marriage and falls in love with a young man named Hippolyte. When the Baron discovers their affair, he throws Gabrielle out of their home and she is forced to seek refuge with her friend, Madame de Montmélian. Meanwhile, Hippolyte is determined to win Gabrielle back and comes up with a plan to sneak into the Baron's home disguised as a servant. However, his plan is foiled when the Baron catches him and throws him out. Gabrielle then decides to take matters into her own hands and disguises herself as a man in order to gain access to the Baron's home and retrieve some important documents. The opera is composed of three acts and features Offenbach's signature style of light-hearted and comedic music. The music is characterized by catchy melodies, lively rhythms, and witty lyrics. The opera also features a number of ensemble pieces, including duets, trios, and quartets, which showcase Offenbach's skill at writing for multiple voices. Un mari à la porte was a popular success when it premiered and helped establish Offenbach as one of the leading composers of operetta in France. The opera was also notable for its portrayal of strong female characters, particularly Gabrielle, who takes control of her own destiny and refuses to be a victim of her circumstances. Overall, Un mari à la porte is a charming and entertaining opera that showcases Offenbach's talent for writing light-hearted and comedic music. Its catchy melodies and witty lyrics have ensured its enduring popularity among audiences and performers alike.

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