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 Corridor (opera) to the Queen Elizabeth Hall for the work's London premiere and to the Bregenz Festival for its Austrian premiere. "The Corridor" was also performed in 2010 in a concert version at Merkin Hall in New York City with Brad Lubman conducting the contemporary music ensemble, Signal. On that occasion, the opera was paired with the premiere of Nico Muhly's setting of the "Stabat Mater". In a long corridor, Orpheus leads Eurydice out of the underworld. Hades had made a condition on Eurydice returning to life that Orpheus not look at her while leading her out. The opera opens just as