European Musical Theatre
Evolving from legendary improvisational performances of Italy's commedia dell'arte troupes that related familiar stories through comedy and music, European musical theatre has inspired composers in Britain and North America. Northern Italy's one-act interludes known as 'opera buffa' became popular two-act performances with audiences not inclined to attend serious opera.
Spain's romantic 'zarzuelas', comprising traditional music with regional songs and dances continue to be part of South American theatrical presentations. In France, German-born Jacques Offenbach's great success with a new form, the operetta, greatly influenced the works of German composers who presented elegant, romantic pieces to great acclaim.
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