Jacques Offenbach Gaite Parisienne Ballet

Publication date 1949
EFREM KURTZ conducting the
COLUMBIA SYMPHONY ORCHESTRA
1. Gaite Parisienne: Overture; Tortoni
2. Gaite Parisienne: Gallop; Valse; March
3. Gaite Parisienne: Grand Valse; Can Can No. 1
4. Gaite Parisienne: Can Can No. 2; Quadrille
Jacques Offenbach’s “Gaite Parisienne” is a ballet that premiered in Paris in 1938. The ballet is a light-hearted and entertaining romp through Parisian society, featuring colorful characters and lively music.
Offenbach was a 19th-century composer and one of the pioneers of operetta, a genre of light opera that flourished in the late 19th and early 20th centuries. “Gaite Parisienne” is a tribute to Paris and its vibrant culture, and it features many of Offenbach’s most popular melodies.
The ballet tells the story of a group of Parisian dancers and their romantic entanglements. The ballet takes place in a Parisian café, where the dancers entertain the patrons with their energetic and playful performances.
The music of “Gaite Parisienne” is lively and catchy, with a mix of waltzes, polkas, and other dance forms. Some of the most memorable melodies from the ballet include the famous “Can-Can” and the “Barcarolle” from Offenbach’s earlier work, “The Tales of Hoffmann.”
“Gaite Parisienne” has been a popular ballet since its premiere, and it has been performed by ballet companies around the world. The ballet’s colorful costumes, lively choreography, and upbeat music make it a favorite among audiences of all ages.
In addition to its entertainment value, “Gaite Parisienne” also has historical significance. The ballet was first performed in Paris in 1938, just before the outbreak of World War II. The production was a symbol of French cultural pride and resilience in the face of looming conflict.
Overall, Jacques Offenbach’s “Gaite Parisienne” is a lively and entertaining ballet that captures the spirit of Parisian culture. Its memorable music and colorful characters have made it a beloved work of art, and its historical significance adds to its enduring appeal.

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