MARBECKS COLLECTABLE: Offenbach: La Belle Helene, Orphee Aux Enfers, La Grande-Duchesse de Gerolstein (Complete Operettas in French)

Three sparkling operettas that exemplify Offenbach's irresistible joie de vivre and biting satirical wit. All linked to theatrical productions by Laurent Pelly - a director noted for his comic flair - these recordings offer some rediscovered numbers, since they use specially-prepared editions of the scores. Marc Minkowski conducts with an inimitable and authentic sense of style, while the casts boast such singers as Natalie Dessay, Felicity Lott, Patricia Petibon, Véronique Gens, Yann Beuron, Michel Sénéchal and Laurent Naouri.

1001 Classical recordings you must hear before you die (1851-1900) [on La Belle Helene]

"this is a sparkling‚ beautifully paced recording. It must now be a clear first choice for what is surely Offenbach's most captivating operetta." (Gramophone on La Belle Helene)

1001 Classical recordings you must hear before you die (1801-1850) [on Orphee Aux Enfers]

"Marc Minkowski makes a compelling case for the original two act 1858 version, and his fine cast just about clinches it. Natalie Dessay is such a nagging wife that it is difficult not to feel sorry for Yann Beuron's sweet-natured Orpheus." (CC 1001 Classical on Orphee Aux Enfers)