Orphée Aux Enfers
Offenbach's "Orphée aux Enfers" is one of operetta's greatest triumphs, defining the French operatic tradition of the mid-nineteenth century. This vibrant EMI Classics recording features a stellar cast including sopranos Mady Mesplé and Jane Rhodes, mezzo Jane Berbié, and tenor Michel Sénéchal, with the Orchestre National du Capitole de Toulouse under conductor Michel Plasson. Offenbach's genius lies in blending tuneful melodies, witty orchestration, and comic brilliance with genuine musical sophistication. The plot—a cheeky reinvention of the Orpheus myth with infernal hijinks and satire—perfectly suits his gift for parody and charm. The famous "Galop Infernal" and other showpiece numbers sparkle with catchy themes and exuberant energy. If you've never experienced French operetta or want a recording that captures both the grandeur and fun of this tradition, this is revelatory.
Item Details+
| Genre | Classical |
| Style | Romantic Operetta |
| Media | Near Mint (NM or M-) |
| Sleeve | Very Good Plus (VG+) |
| Label | EMI Classics |
| Country | France |
| Format | 2xCD |
Tracklist+
Genre:
Classical
Style:
Romantic, Operetta
Label:
EMI Classics
Country:
France
Year:
. Orphée Aux Enfers, Operetta
1-1. Ouverture 2:50
. Act I
1-2. Act I - No.1 - Choeur Des Bergers Et Scène Du Conseil Municipal 6:15
1-3. Act I - No.2 - Couplets Du Berger Joli 3:06
1-4. Act I - No.2 - Dialogue 0:54
1-5. Act I - No.3 - Duo Du Concerto 6:46
1-6. Act I - No.3 - Dialogue 0:36
1-7. Act I - No.4 - Balet Pastoral 7:59
1-8. Act I - No.5 - Chanson D'Aristée 4:39
1-9. Act I - No.5 bis - Sortie Des Bergers (Dialgue) 1:14
1-10. Act I - No.5 ter - Mélodrame (Dialogue) 1:05
1-11. Act I - No.6 - Invocation A la Mort 2:01
1-12. Act I - No.6 - Mélodrame (Dialogue) 1:14
1-13. Act I - No.7 - Final 11:43
. Act II
1-14. Act II - No.8 - Entr'acte Et Choeur Du Sommeil 2:17
1-15. Act II - No.9 - Couplets 4:03
1-16. Act II - No.10 - Divertissement, Tournée de Morphée 7:23
1-17. Act II - No.11 - Réveil Des Dieux Et Couplets de Diane 4:36
2-1. Act II - No.12 - Rondo Saltarelle 2:19
2-2. Act II - No.12 - Dialogue 0:32
2-3. Act II - No.12 bis - Entrée Du Pluton 0:22
2-4. Act II - No.13 - Air En Prose de Pluton 3:17
2-5. Act II - No.13 - Dialogue 0:19
2-6. Act II - No.14 - Choeur de la Revolte 1:51
2-7. Act II - No.14 - Dialogue 0:45
2-8. Act II - No.15 - Rondeau Des Métamorphoses 1:46
2-9. Act II - No.15 - Dialogue 0:28
2-10. Act II - No.16 - Grand Final 9:01
2-11. Act II - No.17 - Entr'acte 1:06
. Act III
2-12. Act III - No.18 - Couplets Des Regrets 2:16
2-13. Act III - No.18 - Dialogue 1:17
2-14. Act III - No.19 - Couplets Du Roi de Béotie 1:55
2-15. Act III - No.19 - Mélodrame 1:04
2-16. Act III - No.20 - Septuor Du Tribunal 2:08
2-17. Act III - No.20 - Dialogue 1:39
2-18. Act III - No.21 - Ronde Des Policemen 1:17
2-19. Act III - No.22 - Récit Et Couplets Des Baisers 5:10
2-20. Act III - No.22 - Dialogue 0:54
2-21. Act III - No.23 - Petite Ronde de Bourdon 2:05
2-22. Act III - No.24 - Duo de la Mouche 5:47
2-23. Act III - No.24 - Dialogue 0:57
2-24. Act III - No.25 - Scène Des Mouches 1:26
2-25. Act III - No.25 - Dialogue 0:47
. Act IV
2-26. Act IV - No.25 - Galop 1:59
2-27. Act IV - No.26 - Choeur Infernal 3:05
2-28. Act IV - No.27 - Hymne A Bacchus 3:01
2-29. Act IV - No.28 - Menuet Et Galop Infernal 5:10
2-30. Act IV - No.28 - Dialogue 1:14
2-31. Act IV - No.29 - Mélodrame 2:29
2-32. Act IV - No.30 - Final 2:50
Data provided by Discogs.