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Opera Comique Collection (#3)

Opera comique is a genre of musical theater that originated in France during the 18th century

Background imageOpera Comique Collection: Leo Delibes (1836-91) illustration from The Lure of Music by Olin Downes

Leo Delibes (1836-91) illustration from The Lure of Music by Olin Downes
KW226910 Leo Delibes (1836-91) illustration from The Lure of Music by Olin Downes, 1922 (litho) by Emerson, Chase (1874-1922); Private Collection; American, out of copyright

Background imageOpera Comique Collection: Ambroise Thomas (1811-96) illustration from The Lure of Music by Olin Downes

Ambroise Thomas (1811-96) illustration from The Lure of Music by Olin Downes
KW226900 Ambroise Thomas (1811-96) illustration from The Lure of Music by Olin Downes, 1922 (litho) by Emerson, Chase (1874-1922); Private Collection; American, out of copyright

Background imageOpera Comique Collection: Box at the Opera-Comique, 1887 (oil on panel)

Box at the Opera-Comique, 1887 (oil on panel)
XIR178940 Box at the Opera-Comique, 1887 (oil on panel) by Cottet, Charles (1863-1925); 34x27.5 cm; Musee d Orsay, Paris, France; French, out of copyright

Background imageOpera Comique Collection: Jacques Offenbach (1819-1880) born Jakob Levy Eberst Offenbach at Cologne. German-born

Jacques Offenbach (1819-1880) born Jakob Levy Eberst Offenbach at Cologne. German-born French opera-comique composer and conductor

Background imageOpera Comique Collection: Romanian Dancer In Paris

Romanian Dancer In Paris
Paris, France: c. 1925. Mademoiselle Nicolesco, Romanian dancer appearing at the Opera Comique in Paris

Background imageOpera Comique Collection: VICTORY! Cantata of Mr. Michek CarrA

VICTORY! Cantata of Mr. Michek CarrA

Background imageOpera Comique Collection: Passage of the Queen of England under the triumphal arch erected by the artists of the opera

Passage of the Queen of England under the triumphal arch erected by the artists of the opera, and before the trophy made by the artists of the Opera-Comique. Queen Victoria. Paris, France

Background imageOpera Comique Collection: Royal Theatre of l Opera-Comique or Salle Favart, one of settings for Opera Comique

Royal Theatre of l Opera-Comique or Salle Favart, one of settings for Opera Comique
France, 19th century. Paris. The Royal Theatre of l Opera-Comique or Salle Favart, one of the settings for the Opera Comique, rebuilt after the fire of January 13th, 1838

Background imageOpera Comique Collection: France, Paris, Various venues for Opera Comique by Guiand, drawing, 1883

France, Paris, Various venues for Opera Comique by Guiand, drawing, 1883
France, 19th century. Paris, the various venues for the Opera Comique. 1. Foire Saint Laurent Hall; 2. Hotel de Bourgogne; 3. Favart PremiA




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Opera comique is a genre of musical theater that originated in France during the 18th century. It combines elements of spoken dialogue and sung music, often with comedic undertones. The Theatre national de l'Opera-Comique in Paris has been a prominent venue for this art form. In an antique image of the Theatre national de l'Opera-Comique, we see its grandeur and elegance captured through decoration paintings like "La Danse" by Francois Flemeng. This c1830 creation by Francois-Seraphin Delpech showcases the beauty and artistic significance of this iconic theater. However, not all moments in the history were filled with joyous melodies. An engraving depicting "The Burning of the Opera Comique" reminds us that even cultural institutions can fall victim to unfortunate events. Despite such setbacks, opera comique continued to thrive in Paris and beyond. A lithography watercolor from 1885 illustrates a scene from a comic opera, highlighting its enduring popularity among audiences. Jules Massenet's ballet "Cigale, " as depicted on a poster from 1904, demonstrates how different forms of performance intertwined within the world of opera comique. Across the English Channel, Gilbert and Sullivan's comic operas found success at London's Opera Comique. A black-and-white photograph captures Richard Temple, Durward Lely, and Frank Thornton in their original production of "Patience, " showcasing their talent and humor on stage. Engravings featuring scenes from popular plays performed at various theaters further emphasize how opera comiques entertained audiences across cities. Even amateur theatricals found their place at the Opera Comique. An engraving depicts a scene from "Joan, " played for charity purposes at East End Home - reminding us that art can also serve noble causes. Notable performers like Mme Casimir brought characters to life on stage through their incredible talent. In her role as Antonia, she captivated audiences with her colored engraving.