Orpheus in the Underworld malsaine" (an unhealthy odor). In the opinion of Piat, however, Offenbach's "Orphée" is, like most of his major operettas, a "bijou" (jewel) that only snobs will fail to appreciate. The piece was not immediately a hit, but critics' condemnation of it, particularly that of Jules Janin, who called it a "profanation of holy and glorious antiquity," only provided vital publicity, serving to heighten the public's curiosity to see the piece. "Scene 1: Near Thebes" A melodrama (Introduction and Melodrame) opens the work. Public Opinion explains who she is – the guardian of morality ("Qui suis-je? du Théâtre Antique"). She seeks
Abattoir Blues / The Lyre of Orpheus power of the music and lyrics, the set draws on Cave’s compelling persona: part priest, part sideshow barker--crooning one moment and eviscerating the next. While this has always been the core of his talent, on "Abattoir/Lyre" it is particularly rich and rewarding." In a more mixed assessment, Douglas Wolk, writing in "Spin", was complimentary of "Abattoir Blues" but felt that "The Lyre of Orpheus" was "effectively "Abattoir" spillover: more mellow, less grand in conception, but—somehow—more pretentious in execution." In his Consumer Guide for "The Village Voice", Robert Christgau designated three songs from the album ("The Lyre of Orpheus", "There She