What is opera populaire?

Opera populaire (French for "popular opera") is a genre of opera that emerged in mid-19th century France, combining elements of classical opera with popular music and themes. It was characterized by its lyrical melodies, simple orchestration, and emphasis on dramatic storytelling.

The term "opera populaire" was first used to describe works such as Charles Gounod's Faust and Georges Bizet's Carmen, which were popular with audiences despite not conforming to traditional operatic conventions. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, the genre continued to flourish with works such as Jules Massenet's Manon and Umberto Giordano's Andrea Chénier.

Opera populaire has also had a lasting impact on musical theater, inspiring the development of the modern musical in the 20th century. The influence of the genre can be seen in early works such as Gilbert and Sullivan's operettas and in later pieces such as the works of Andrew Lloyd Webber.

Today, opera populaire remains a popular and accessible genre, with productions of classic works still performed regularly around the world.