„Le Roi Carotte“

This complete analysis of an almost unknown late work by Offenbach makes it abundantly clear that his stage works contain much more than just pleasing melodies and satirical verses. Using the completely-preserved autograph score of the monumental blockbuster opera “Le Roi Carotte”, as well as spectacular costume designs and original stage design models from the first performance, Alexander Grün examines for the first time the genesis of the work as well as all relevant compositional aspects of an opera score from the so-called "father of operetta". This comprehensive analysis of rhythm, melody, harmony, time and tempo structures, leitmotifs and reminiscences, as well as the practical aspects of the first performance at the Théâtre de la Gaîté in Paris in 1872, is unique in Offenbach research and impressively debunks the usual view of Offenbach as a prolific popular composer who never managed to capitalise on his early successes after the collapse of the Second Empire.