Yesterday, I was minding my own business and the next thing
you know I’m dancing what I believe to be the can-can with my boy, The Fabulous
Nigel. Here, a day later, I’m feeling less than completely social, so I share
this dance with you.
Research comes first though. What’s this tune called? Who
wrote it? Well, it’s called “Orphee Aux Enfers” and it’s by Jacques Offenbach. Jacques
busted it out in 1858, and according to my friends at the big ‘Peed (Wikipedia)
"In 1858, the government lifted the licensing restrictions on
the number of performers, and Offenbach was able to present more ambitious
works. His first full-length operetta, Orphée aux enfers ("Orpheus in the
Underworld"), was presented in October 1858. Offenbach, as usual, spent
freely on the production, with scenery by Gustave Doré, lavish costumes, a cast
of twenty principals, and a large chorus and orchestra.[87]
As the company was particularly short of money following an
abortive season in Berlin, a big success was urgently needed. At first the
production seemed merely to be a modest success. It soon benefited from an
outraged review by Jules Janin, the critic of the Journal des Débats; he
condemned the piece for profanity and irreverence (ostensibly to Roman
mythology but in reality to Napoleon and his government, generally seen as the
targets of its satire).[88] Offenbach and his librettist Hector Crémieux seized
on this free publicity, and joined in a lively public debate in the columns of
the Parisian daily newspaper Le Figaro.[89] Janin's indignation made the public
agog to see the work, and the box office takings were prodigious. Among those
who wanted to see the satire of the emperor was the emperor himself, who
commanded a performance in April 1860.[89] Despite many great successes during
the rest of Offenbach's career, Orphée aux enfers remained his most popular.
Gammond lists among the reasons for its success, "the sweeping
waltzes" reminiscent of Vienna but with a new French flavour, the patter
songs, and "above all else, of course, the can-can which had led a naughty
life in low places since the 1830s or thereabouts and now became a polite fashion,
as uninhibited as ever."[90]
That stuff seems pretty interesting and I figured if I
copied and shared the whole thing, I might actually read it. I’m going to try
again. Done. You know Led Zeppelin got their name from an “outraged review.”
Hail the can-can. Hail Nigel.
Here’s a link to Jacques’ version. It has 8 and a half
million views.
Hail Jacques too. Why not?
Operation 365 2
- Jefferson Jay - Originals - 142 “Commotion” by Jefferson Jay
In a crowded room. The folks abuzz because it's Friday afternoon and they're alive. I meditate and improvise. Singing words from a human mind. I bring it to you here direct and live. Sweet creations from the seed of an invisible dream. There's a commotion about and love all the time.
Operation 365 2
- Jefferson Jay - Words - 142 “Something Great to Say”
Today, I had something really great to say to you guys. Watch if youwanna see how that worked out.
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