null

Jacques Offenbach

Jacques Offenbach: The Master of Operetta and Musical Wit

Introduction to Jacques Offenbach

Jacques Offenbach (1819–1880) was a French composer of German origin, best known as the pioneer of operetta and one of the most influential figures in 19th-century musical theater. His works are celebrated for their lighthearted wit, infectious melodies, and satirical edge, making him one of the most performed opera composers of his time. Offenbach’s music combines elegance, humor, and charm, laying the foundation for modern musical theater and influencing composers like Johann Strauss II and Gilbert & Sullivan.

Offenbach’s Most Famous Works

Operettas and Comic Operas

Offenbach revolutionized the operetta genre with works that blended comedy, social satire, and dazzling music:

  • Orpheus in the Underworld (1858) – A bold and hilarious reimagining of Greek mythology, featuring the famous "Galop Infernal", better known as the Can-Can.
  • La Belle Hélène (1864) – A witty take on the story of Helen of Troy, filled with playful melodies.
  • La Vie Parisienne (1866) – A lively operetta celebrating the glamour and excess of Parisian society.
  • La Périchole (1868) – A satirical opera about love and politics, inspired by Spanish culture.

The Grand Opera: The Tales of Hoffmann

While Offenbach was best known for his operettas, he also ventured into grand opera:

  • Les Contes d’Hoffmann (The Tales of Hoffmann) (1881, posthumous) – A deeply imaginative and poetic opera exploring love, illusion, and fate, featuring the haunting "Barcarolle", one of the most famous melodies in opera history.

Offenbach’s Influence and Legacy

Offenbach’s music bridged the gap between opera and modern musical theater, and his influence can be seen in the works of later composers like Strauss, Lehar, and even Broadway legends. His operettas remain some of the most entertaining and frequently performed works in classical music, delighting audiences with their brilliance, humor, and unforgettable tunes.

Jacques Offenbach

Sort By:

Display Type:
Filters
  • Product
  • Qty in Cart
  • Quantity
  • Price
  • Subtotal
  • La Vie Parisienne – Jacques Offenbach (1980) / LP (2676 904) La Vie Parisienne – Jacques Offenbach (1980) / LP (2676 904)
    Quick view

    La Vie Parisienne – Jacques Offenbach (1980) / LP

    $66.66
    La Vie Parisienne – Jacques Offenbach (1980) / LP 2676 904 Product Details Label: Polydor (2676 904) Format: Double Vinyl LP, Gatefold Released: 1980 Genre: Classical Overview La Vie Parisienne is a delightful opéra-bouffe...
    Add to Cart
    Qty in Cart: 0
    Quantity:
    Price:
    $66.66
    Subtotal:
    Add to Cart
  • Offenbach – Les Contes d'Hoffmann (The Tales of Hoffmann, Ópera de Bilbao) DVD (809478060062) Offenbach – Les Contes d'Hoffmann (The Tales of Hoffmann, Ópera de Bilbao) DVD (809478060062)
    Quick view

    Offenbach – Les Contes d'Hoffmann (The Tales of Hoffmann, Ópera de Bilbao) DVD

    $17.91
    Offenbach – Les Contes d'Hoffmann (The Tales of Hoffmann, Ópera de Bilbao) DVD UPC: 809478060062 Overview Jacques Offenbach’s Les Contes d'Hoffmann (The Tales of Hoffmann) comes alive in this magical and...
    Add to Cart
    Qty in Cart: 0
    Quantity:
    Price:
    $17.91
    Subtotal:
    Add to Cart
  • Conny Odd – Offenbach Highlights Großer Querschnitt LP Vinyl (AMIGA 119) Conny Odd – Offenbach Highlights Großer Querschnitt LP Vinyl (AMIGA 119)
    Quick view

    Conny Odd – Offenbach Highlights / Großer Querschnitt / LP Vinyl

    $66.66
    Conny Odd – Offenbach Highlights / Großer Querschnitt / LP Vinyl UPC AMIGA 119   Product Details Label: AMIGA Catalogue Number: 119 Format: Vinyl, LP Genre: Classical, Operetta Featured...
    Add to Cart
    Qty in Cart: 0
    Quantity:
    Price:
    $66.66
    Subtotal:
    Add to Cart
  • Offenbach's Secret - A Film by István Szabó DVD (880242124883) Offenbach's Secret - A Film by István Szabó DVD (880242124883)
    Quick view

    Offenbach's Secret - A Film by István Szabó DVD

    $48.91
    Offenbach's Secret - A Film by István Szabó DVD UPC: 880242124883   Product Features Title: Offenbach's Secret Director: István Szabó (Academy Award Winner) Composer: Jacques Offenbach Main...
    Add to Cart
    Qty in Cart: 0
    Quantity:
    Price:
    $48.91
    Subtotal:
    Add to Cart
  • A Concert of Music by Jacques Offenbach - Theatre Musical de Paris-Châtelet DVD (5450270007769) A Concert of Music by Jacques Offenbach - Theatre Musical de Paris-Châtelet DVD (5450270007769)
    Quick view

    A Concert of Music by Jacques Offenbach - Theatre Musical de Paris-Châtelet DVD

    $39.91
    A Concert of Music by Jacques Offenbach - Theatre Musical de Paris-Châtelet DVD UPC: 5450270007769   Region 2 PAL DVD  Made in Europe   Overview Experience the whimsical and brilliant music of Jacques...
    Add to Cart
    Qty in Cart: 0
    Quantity:
    Price:
    $39.91
    Subtotal:
    Add to Cart
  • Jacques Offenbach: Les Contes d'Hoffmann - DVD (8018783040122) Jacques Offenbach: Les Contes d'Hoffmann - DVD (8018783040122)
    Quick view

    Jacques Offenbach: Les Contes d'Hoffmann - DVD

    $69.91
    Jacques Offenbach: Les Contes d'Hoffmann - DVD UPC: 8018783040122   Product Features Composer: Jacques Offenbach Opera: Les Contes d'Hoffmann (The Tales of Hoffmann) Performers:Orchestra: Arturo Toscanini Orchestra Sinfonica...
    Add to Cart
    Qty in Cart: 0
    Quantity:
    Price:
    $69.91
    Subtotal:
    Add to Cart
  • Jacques Offenbach's Les Contes d'Hoffmann - Bregenz Festival by Unitel Classica (2DVD) (0814337013554) Jacques Offenbach's Les Contes d'Hoffmann - Bregenz Festival by Unitel Classica (2DVD) (0814337013554)
    Quick view

    Jacques Offenbach's Les Contes d'Hoffmann - Bregenz Festival by Unitel Classica (2DVD)

    $59.10
    Jacques Offenbach's Les Contes d'Hoffmann - Bregenz Festival by Unitel Classica (2DVD) UPC: 0814337013554   Product Features Title: Les Contes d'Hoffmann (The Tales of Hoffmann) Composer: Jacques Offenbach Conductor:...
    Add to Cart
    Qty in Cart: 0
    Quantity:
    Price:
    $59.10
    Subtotal:
    Add to Cart
  • The Best Of Classical - Lehar, Suppe, Offenbach, Nicolai, J. Strauss II / Pilz Audio CD The Best Of Classical - Lehar, Suppe, Offenbach, Nicolai, J. Strauss II / Pilz Audio CD
    Quick view

    The Best Of Classical - Lehar, Suppe, Offenbach, Nicolai, J. Strauss II / Pilz Audio CD

    $33.33
    The Best Of Classical - Lehar, Suppe, Offenbach, Nicolai, J. Strauss II / Pilz Audio CD Product Details: Label: Pilz Format: CD, Album Country: Germany Genre: Classical Overview The Best of Classical is a delightful...
    Add to Cart
    Qty in Cart: 0
    Quantity:
    Price:
    $33.33
    Subtotal:
    Add to Cart
  • Offenbach: Barbe-Bleue - Opéra de Lyon Production (DVD) (0809478013365) Offenbach: Barbe-Bleue - Opéra de Lyon Production (DVD) (0809478013365)
    Quick view

    Offenbach: Barbe-Bleue - Opéra de Lyon Production (DVD)

    $26.91
    Offenbach: Barbe-Bleue - Opéra de Lyon Production (DVD) UPC: 0809478013365   Product Features Composer: Jacques Offenbach (1819–1880) Title: Barbe-Bleue (Bluebeard) Performers: Yann Beuron (Barbe-Bleue),...
    Add to Cart
    Qty in Cart: 0
    Quantity:
    Price:
    $26.91
    Subtotal:
    Add to Cart
  • Offenbach: Fantasio - Sir Mark Elder, Sarah Connolly, Brenda Rae, Russell Braun, Brindley Sherratt, Neal Davies, Robert Murray, Orchestra Of The Age Of Enlightenment / Opera Rara 2x Audio CD 2014 / ORC51 Offenbach: Fantasio - Sir Mark Elder, Sarah Connolly, Brenda Rae, Russell Braun, Brindley Sherratt, Neal Davies, Robert Murray, Orchestra Of The Age Of Enlightenment / Opera Rara 2x Audio CD 2014 / ORC51 (792938005126)
    Quick view

    Offenbach: Fantasio - Sir Mark Elder, Sarah Connolly, Brenda Rae, Russell Braun, Brindley Sherratt, Neal Davies, Robert Murray, Orchestra Of The Age Of Enlightenment / Opera Rara 2x Audio CD 2014 / ORC51

    $159.10
    Offenbach: Fantasio - Sir Mark Elder, Sarah Connolly, Brenda Rae, Russell Braun, Brindley Sherratt, Neal Davies, Robert Murray, Orchestra Of The Age Of Enlightenment / Opera Rara 2x Audio CD 2014 / ORC51 UPC 792938005126 Product Details: Label:...
    Add to Cart
    Qty in Cart: 0
    Quantity:
    Price:
    $159.10
    Subtotal:
    Add to Cart
  • Frederica von Stade - French Opera Arias: Berlioz, Gounod, Massenet, Meyerbeer, Offenbach, Thomas - John Pritchard, London Philharmonic Orchestra / Columbia Masterworks LP 1976 / M 34206 Frederica von Stade - French Opera Arias: Berlioz, Gounod, Massenet, Meyerbeer, Offenbach, Thomas - John Pritchard, London Philharmonic Orchestra / Columbia Masterworks LP 1976 / M 34206
    Quick view

    Frederica von Stade - French Opera Arias: Berlioz, Gounod, Massenet, Meyerbeer, Offenbach, Thomas - John Pritchard, London Philharmonic Orchestra / Columbia Masterworks LP 1976 / M 34206

    $77.77
    Frederica von Stade - French Opera Arias: Berlioz, Gounod, Massenet, Meyerbeer, Offenbach, Thomas - John Pritchard, London Philharmonic Orchestra / Columbia Masterworks LP 1976 M 34206 Product Details Label: Columbia Masterworks – M...
    Add to Cart
    Qty in Cart: 0
    Quantity:
    Price:
    $77.77
    Subtotal:
    Add to Cart
  • Jacques Offenbach: Orpheus in der Unterwelt - Deutsche Oper Berlin 1984 DVD (807280167993) Jacques Offenbach: Orpheus in der Unterwelt - Deutsche Oper Berlin 1984 DVD (807280167993)
    Quick view

    Jacques Offenbach: Orpheus in der Unterwelt - Deutsche Oper Berlin 1984 DVD

    $99.00
    Jacques Offenbach: Orpheus in der Unterwelt - Deutsche Oper Berlin 1984 DVD UPC: 807280167993 Product Features Composer: Jacques Offenbach Opera: Orpheus in der Unterwelt (Orpheus in the Underworld) Performers:Conductor: Jesús...
    Add to Cart
    Qty in Cart: 0
    Quantity:
    Price:
    $99.00
    Subtotal:
    Add to Cart
  • Total: items /

Adding your products to cart

View Cart Continue Shopping

Join Our Newsletter