Opera Rara Revives Offenbach's Lost Operetta Barkouf

Opera Rara has revived Jacques Offenbach's 1860 operetta "Barkouf" at Bridgewater Hall in Manchester, offering audiences a chance to experience a work that was critically panned upon its initial release and subsequently faded into obscurity. The operetta's plot centers on a dog appointed Sultan of Lahore, who, with the aid of a resourceful market trader, establishes a more enlightened form of rule. Despite its unusual premise, "Barkouf" faced a harsh reception in 1860, with even Hector Berlioz criticizing its harmonic conventions. The work disappeared until fragments began to resurface in recent decades, prompting Opera Rara to undertake the task of reconstructing and performing the piece.

"Barkouf" was composed shortly after Offenbach's more successful "Orpheus in the Underworld," and its relative failure is often attributed to Eugène Scribe's uninspired lyrics, which are said to have diminished the story's satirical edge. However, Offenbach's musical contribution is noted for its energetic score, filled with distinctive "tics and quirks" that suggest the composer was exploring new creative avenues. The orchestration, which includes four horns, is original, and the score features a series of "witty ditties" that are described as effervescent. Despite these musical highlights, the review suggests that the level of inspiration in the score varies, with some sections falling short of the composer's usual brilliance.

The revival features a strong cast, supported by the Hallé orchestra and the ENO chorus. Alistair McGowan provides the rhyming narration, which is praised for its impeccable delivery and contribution to the overall vivacity of the performance. The production aims to showcase Offenbach's unique musical ideas and the peculiar charm of the operetta's narrative, allowing modern audiences to assess the work independently of its initial critical reception. The performance at Bridgewater Hall marks a significant moment for the operetta, bringing a long-lost piece of musical theatre back to life and providing a platform for its unique, albeit unconventional, story and score to be appreciated. The efforts of Opera Rara in piecing together and staging "Barkouf" underscore the organization's commitment to unearthing and preserving lesser-known operatic works, thereby enriching the repertoire available to the public and scholars alike. The revival invites a re-evaluation of Offenbach's early work, moving beyond its initial reception to consider its artistic merits and historical context.