Orf Vienna Rso/Halasz - Boieldieu, Delibes, Gounod, Hal�vy, H�rold, Lecocq, Maillart, M�hul, Offenbach: Op�ra-Comique Overtures

Op�ra-comique emerged in the 19th century as an intermediary between grand opera and burlesque operetta. This album charts its progression as a distinct genre, tracing the origins from Boieldieu and M�hul early in the century via the classic vitality of masters such as H�rold and Maillart into the operetta style of Offenbach and Lecocq. With innovative features, colourful orchestration, drama, wit and atmospheric writing, the operas proved very popular and these overtures encapsulate their immense vivacity and charm.