Publisher's Synopsis
Orphee Aux Enfers, also known as Orpheus in the Underworld, is a comedic operetta composed by Jacques Offenbach in 1868. The story is a satirical retelling of the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, set in contemporary Paris. The operetta is divided into four tableaux, or acts, and features a lively score filled with memorable melodies and witty lyrics.The plot follows the unhappy marriage of Orpheus, a celebrated musician, and his wife Eurydice. When Eurydice is kidnapped by Pluto, the ruler of the underworld, Orpheus is forced to descend into Hades to rescue her. Along the way, he encounters a host of colorful characters, including the mischievous god Bacchus and his entourage of drunken revelers.Orphee Aux Enfers is known for its irreverent humor and social commentary, poking fun at the upper classes and the world of opera itself. The operetta is also notable for its use of the can-can, a lively dance that became a hallmark of Offenbach's work.Overall, Orphee Aux Enfers is a lively and entertaining operetta that showcases Offenbach's skill as a composer and satirist. Its catchy tunes and witty lyrics have made it a beloved classic of the operatic repertoire.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.
