Victor Herbert (1859-1924) was an Irish-born American composer, cellist and conductor, and one of the leading figures in American operetta. Born in Dublin and trained in Europe, he moved to the United States in the 1880s.

His stage works include Babes in Toyland, Naughty Marietta, Mlle. Modiste and many other operettas. He also wrote orchestral music, cello concertos and songs.

Herbert’s music is melodic, theatrical and warmly scored, with a gift for memorable songs and polished stagecraft. His European training gave his lighter music a firm technical foundation.

He helped establish American musical theatre before Broadway found its later shape. Herbert’s music belongs to the era of operetta sparkle, but it has more craftsmanship under the glitter than fashion sometimes remembers.