Jacques Offenbach

Originating from Germany and France, this creator of theatrical, vocal, and instrumental pieces pioneered the operetta genre and left a clear imprint on Gilbert And Sullivan. Symphonic programs gain from avoiding unrelieved romance or solemnity, so the appealing melodies and their transformations in Gaité Parisienne, along with those in the sole attempt at grand opera, Les contes d'Hoffman ("The Tales of Hoffman"), repay occasional listening. Equally charming is the ballet Le papillon ("The Butterfly"), above all its graceful waltz. The texts of the operettas brim with satire and humor, qualities that do not always survive English translation.
~ Blue Gene Tyranny