Jacques Offenbach, who was born in Cologne in 1819 and died in Paris in 1880, is considered the founder of the modern operetta. He was known for his entertaining compositions that combined typical Rhineland humor with French esprit. Even though people often associate his name with the famous cancan dance tune from his operetta Orpheus in the Underworld, Offenbach’s legacy goes beyond clichés and frivolous portrayals, as expert Ralf-Olivier Schwarz points out.
Offenbach’s musical career began in Cologne, where he played the cello and performed in local pubs before moving to Paris in the 1830s. Despite facing obstacles in the state music theaters under Napoleon III, Offenbach established his own theater, the “Theatre des Bouffes-Parisiens,” where he used humor to satirize the ruling classes. His talent and wit attracted a wide audience, including prominent artists and musicians who frequented his legendary Friday evening gatherings.
The opera Orpheus in the Underworld marked Offenbach’s breakthrough in 1858, with its satirical portrayal of gods and rulers. His works gained popularity across Europe and beyond, reaching as far as Brazil, China, and Japan. However, during the Franco-Prussian War of 1870/71, Offenbach faced accusations of espionage and encountered anti-Semitic sentiments in France and Germany. Despite these challenges, his music continued to be celebrated internationally, and he was honored at the Philadelphia World’s Fair in 1876.
