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
The Lyre of Orpheus (novel) The Lyre of Orpheus (novel) The Lyre of Orpheus, first published by Macmillan of Canada in 1988, is the last of the three connected novels of the "Cornish Trilogy" by Canadian novelist Robertson Davies. It was preceded by "The Rebel Angels" (1981) and "What's Bred in the Bone" (1985). In "The Lyre of Orpheus", the executors of the will of Francis Cornish (the subject of "What's Bred in the Bone") find themselves at the head of the "Cornish Foundation". The 5 directors of the Foundation, the 3 remaining Frank Cornish's estate executors, being Professor the Reverend Simon Darcourt, Arthur Cornish,