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Daphnis et Chloé (Offenbach)


Daphnis et Chloé is a one-act opérette by Jacques Offenbach. The libretto was by Clairville (alias of Louis-François Nicolaïe (1811–1879)) and Jules Cordier (alias of Éléonore Tenaille de Vaulabelle, 1801–1859), based on the story of Daphnis and Chloe. The origin is the novel by Longus adapted as a play at the Théâtre du Vaudeville in 1849.

It premiered at the Théâtre des Bouffes-Parisiens (Salle Choiseul) on 27 March 1860 under the direction of the composer. In the 1866 revival, Léonce was Pan, with Ugalde as Daphnis; Collas returned as Chloé.

In 1907, the piece was arranged by André Bloch and performed as Myrianne et Daphné at the Monte Carlo Opera, with 'Tate' (Maggie Teyte) as Tyrius, Edmond Clément as Myrianne and Hector Dufranne as Alphésibée.

Bacchantes, observed by the statue of Pan, discuss Daphnis, with whom they are all in love. When they have left Pan reveals that he is in pursuit of the shy but proud Chloé, who next enters with a lamb. As she waits for her rendez-vous with Daphnis she insults the listening Pan. Daphnis confesses to Chloé that when he is alone he only thinks of her – she is the same. They decide that what they need is pipes so that when they meet the other shepherds and shepherdesses they can join in the dances; Pan throws a flute in the lap of Daphnis, but it won't play for him. Pan mocks the innocent lovers. When Chloé rushes off to her flock Pan pursues her while Daphnis tries to dream of her.


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