Jacques Offenbach

by W.J. Baltzell

A composer, born in Cologne, June 21, 1819; he died in Paris, October 5, 1880. His name was originally Levy and he was the son of a Jewish cantor.

He was a pupil of Vaslin in 'celo playing at Paris Conservatoire. He was a member of the Opera Comique orchestra and composed song parodies of La Fontaine; 1849 conductor at Theatre Francais and won recognition by composition of Chanson de Fortunio for Musset's Chandelier.

He produced several small pieces without much success. In 1855-56 managed Bouffes-Parisiens Theatre for himself, where he brought out many works. In 1872-76 he was the manager of Theatre de la Gaite. He came to American in 1877.

He composed about 90 operas in 25 years and established the Parisian burlesque opera as a type of light, gay spirit and pleasant melody, though music is often carelessly constructed. His most noted works are "Orphee aux enfers", "La Belle Helene", "La grande duchesse de Gerolstein", and "Les contes d'Hoffman".