Credits:

Michael Halasz

Description:

“Opra-comique” refers to a form of comic opera that originated in France and is characterized by the interweaving of spoken dialogue and song. The term refers to operas performed at the “Opra-comique” theater, which was established in the early 18th century. Although, as the name suggests, the repertoire initially consisted mostly of lighthearted (comic) works, as numerous composers contributed their works, the repertoire became more diverse, and even tragic workssuch as Bizets *Carmen*came to be included under the umbrella of opra-comique. This album features overtures from *opra-comique* works composed from the 19th to the 20th century. The collection features a range of witty works with diverse character, from Gounods fantastical *La Nonne sanglante* and Hrolds *Zampa*, known for its lighthearted melodies, to the comic operas of Offenbach and Lecocq.Naxos Japan