What is operetta?
Q: What is operetta?
A: Operetta is a type of opera that is not too serious and often full of fun, sometimes referred to as "light opera". It includes spoken dialogue, songs and dances.
Q: Who can be thought of as the creator of the operetta tradition?
A: The composer Jacques Offenbach can be thought of as the creator of the operetta tradition.
Q: What was popular in Germany before operettas were created?
A: In Germany, the Singspiel tradition was popular before operettas were created (e.g. Mozart's The Magic Flute).
Q: How did French operettas become less popular in early 20th century?
A: In the early 20th century, there was more interest in Viennese operettas than French ones, so they became less popular.
Q: What are some examples of well-known operettas?
A: Some well-known examples include Die Fledermaus by Johann Strauss, Die Lustige Witwe by Franz Léhar, Crai nou by Ciprian Porumbescu and Gilbert and Sullivan's operas from England.
Q: Who performed in these works?
A: Performers had to both sing and act very well for these works; composers such as Bizet, Chabrier and Delibes all wrote them as well.
Q: Where did German operette become popular after World War I?
A: After World War I Berlin became the centre for German operette popularity.
