Operetta

"Operetta: A Theatrical History" is considered the classic history of this important musical theater form. Traubner's book, first published in 1983, is still recognized as the key history of the people and productions that made operetta a worldwide phenomenon. Beginning in mid-19th century Europe, the book covers all of the key developments in the form, including the landmark works by Strauss and his followers, Gilbert & Sullivan, Franz Lehar, Rudolf Friml, Victor Herbert, and many more. The book perfectly captures the champagne-and-ballroom atmosphere of the greatest works in the genre. It will appeal to all fans of musical theatre history.

Richard Traubner is a well-known history of operetta, thanks to this book, and his articles in the New York Times, Opera News, program notes, and notes for recordings. He lives in New York City.

INTRODUCTION; PREFACE TO THE REVISED EDITION; OVERTURE; BEGINNERS, PLEASE!; THE EMPEROR OF OPERETTA; POST-1870 PARIS; VIENNA GOLD; THE SCHOOL OF STRAUSS II; THE SAVOY TRADITION; THE EDWARDESIAN ERA; FIN DE SIÈCLE; THE MERRY WIDOW AND HER RIVALS; SILVER VIENNA; CONTINENTAL VARIETIES; THE WEST END; AMERICAN OPERETTA; BROADWAY; PASTICCIO AND ZARZUELA, ITALY AND RUSSIA