Grand Duchess, The


Composer: Offenbach, Jacques 1819 - 1880

Version: Operatic Society version From the original by Henri Meilhac and Ludvic Halevy Book by John Grimsey Lyrics by Phil Park Music adapted and arranged by Ronald Hanmer

First performed in Paris in April 1867, La Grande-Duchesse de Gérolstein (The Grand Duchess of Gerolstein) is a satirical critique of unthinking militarism, and was banned in France after the French defeat in the Franco-Prussian War. SYNOPSIS: This is the hilarious tale of a sultry grande Dame who rules the tiny Duchy of Gerolstein. Having a keen eye for attractive young men, she promotes a certain Private Fritz to the rank of General in no time at all. But Fritz has a fiancée, and ideas of his own - and in the end the Grand Duchess has to settle for the absurdly foppish, but politically expedient, Prince Paul. Colourful and amusing characters, lots of comedy, and irresistible music.

Instrumentation
FLUTE : OBOE : 2 CLARINETS : BASSOON : 2 HORNS : 2 TRUMPETS : 2 TROMBONES : PERCUSSION : HARP : 3 VIOLIN I : 2 VIOLIN II : VIOLA : CELLO : BASS

Format
V/S Lib O/S

Publisher
JW


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