Les Bavards, Jacques Offenbach
| Title | Les Bavards |
| English Title | |
| Composer | Jacques Offenbach |
| Librettists | Charles Nuitter |
| Language | French, Dutch translation available |
| Genre | Opéra-bouffe (light opera). Two acts |
| First performance | December 2, 1863, Paris, Théâtre des Bouffes-Parisiens |
| Time of action | 16th or 17th century; or, if desired, any later period |
| Place of action |
A Spanish town
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| Main parts |
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| Prominence of chorus | Several lively choral scenes |
| Orchestra | 2 flutes, 1 oboe, 2 clarinets, 1 bassoon, 2 horns, 2 trumpets, 3 trombones, timpani/percussion, strings |
| Special demands |
The parts of Roland and Béatrix both require a nimble tongue, musically as well as in the spoken passages. Especially Roland’s pattersong is quite taxing. Apart from this, the work is not particularly difficult to perform. The spoken passages are lengthy; a shortened version is available |
| Full score and orchestral parts | Available |
| Level | |
| Length | Two acts; together approx. 1½ hour |
| Music |
A work of great musical beauty. Outstanding numbers: the two duets, the creditors’ song, the elegant women’s trio, the farcical chorus "Ah, la chaleur est accablante!" (This heat is intolerable!), the catchy drinking-song, and of course Roland’s brilliant pattersong, an interminable stream of words at breakneck speed. Note: Roland’s part may be sung by a tenor, but this implies considerable adaptation of the ensembles
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| Story |
The story is about people who talk too much. A rich gentleman is afflicted with a constantly chattering wife, and hits on the brilliant idea of inviting a penniless young man to outtalk her. The plan succeeds, but in the end the one who really profits is the young man |
| Costumes | Just one costume for the chorus; no changes of dress |
| Note | |
| Pictures | 
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| Link | Wikipedia |