THE CAN-CAN

Offenbach’s comic opera Orpheus in the Underworld was first performed, in Paris, in 1858. Hector Crémieux and Ludovic Halévy wrote the libretto and essentially the story is a spoof on the ancient legend of Orpheus and Eurydice. Critics at the time were simultaneously outraged and delighted by the opera’s ‘tongue-in-cheek’ approach to classic mythology. It was box-office hit and continues to be performed all over the world.

The most famous section of the opera is undoubtedly the up-beat Galop Infernal. This is largely because in the late 19th century (after Offenbach had died) it was adopted as an accompaniment to the can-can by the Paris cabarets the Moulin Rouge and Folies Bergère. The can-can is an energetic (and risqué) dance featuring high kicks typically performed by a chorus line of female dancers. Such is the connection with the dance that Offenbach’s Galop Infernal is often simply known as the Can-can.

Here Offenbach’s raucous and comical music has been arranged for bassoon choir. There are eight bassoon parts and players 1-4 and A-D should be seated in two separate groups to emphasise the antiphonal effects and melody sharing. The contrabassoon should sit centrally, between the two groups. Optional parts are also provided for easy bassoon and mini bassoons in F and G.

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