Monsieur Choufleuri restera chez lui le ..., Jacques Offenbach
Title | Monsieur Choufleuri restera chez lui le ... |
English Title | Monsieur Choufleuri |
Composer | Jacques Offenbach |
Librettists | De Saint-Rémy, Halévy, Crémieux and Lépine |
Language | French, Dutch translation available |
Genre | Light opera in one act |
First performance | September 14th, 1861, Théâtre des Bouffes-Parisiens, Paris |
Time of action | Paris, about 1830 |
Place of action | Bourgeois drawing-room furnished in vulgar taste |
Main parts |
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Prominence of chorus | In the first part: soloists only. Second part: lots to do for chorus |
Orchestra | 2 flutes, 1 oboe, 2 clarinets, 1 bassoon, 2 horns, 2 trumpets, 1 trombone, timpani/percussion, strings |
Special demands | None |
Full score and orchestral parts | Available |
Level | Not at all difficult. |
Length | One act, about one hour |
Music |
The opera is specially famed for the grand trio in which Italian belcanto is parodied. There is a solo for the soprano, a duet for soprano and tenor, another amusing trio and a comic solo for the butler. |
Story |
M. Choufleuri, a nouveau riche, wants to figure not just in the world of finance but also in that of culture. He decides to give a concert of Italian opera at his home, engaging three famous singers. The three stars, however, call off their appearance at the last minute. Choufleuri’s daughter knows what to do: she will sing the soprano part, her boy-friend will be the tenor and her father the bass. The concert is a great success. The tenor now demands Choufleuri’s consent for marrying his daughter and a sizable dowry into the bargain, threatening to reveal the fraud if he refuses. The only thing Choufleuri can do is comply. |
Costumes | 19th century costume (ca. 1830) for soloists and chorus |
Note | |
Pictures | |
Link | Wikipedia |
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