Jacques Offenbach (1819-1880) was a German-born French composer and cellist, and the great master of nineteenth-century operetta. Born in Cologne, he settled in Paris and became one of the defining figures of its theatrical life.

His stage works include Orphée aux enfers, La belle Hélène, La vie parisienne and Les contes d’Hoffmann. The famous can-can from Orphée aux enfers became a symbol of Parisian sparkle.

Offenbach’s music is witty, quick, melodious and theatrically razor-sharp. Beneath the lightness lies a satirical intelligence that could prick pomposity with a perfectly timed tune.

He helped make operetta one of the great entertainments of the age. Offenbach’s best music dances, winks and somehow keeps its cuffs immaculate.