Hervé and the French Spirit

Historically considered the true father of operetta, Florimond Ronger—better known by his pseudonym Hervé—was a multifaceted figure. Against the backdrop of mid-19th-century Paris, a city inclined toward light theatre, his roles as librettist, composer, singer, actor, conductor, and stage director opened up new stylistic and dramatic possibilities. The rise of Jacques Offenbach in the popular theatrical scene eventually overshadowed Hervé’s fame, not least because of a scandalous personal affair that kept him away from the stage for several years. The eccentric nature of his humour and the vitality of his music—part of a remarkably prolific output—make him a personality of undeniable interest for today’s audiences. (Some of his most popular works, such as Mam'zelle Nitouche, found further success in spoken theatre, cinema, and television—including in Italy—through productions featuring well-known performers.)