Operetta

Operetta is a musical style that combines elements of opera, light music, and musical theater. It originated in the mid-19th century in France, with the works of composers such as Jacques Offenbach. Operetta typically features light, romantic, and comic stories with spoken dialogue and popular songs. It is distinguished from other forms of musical theater by its focus on romantic comedy and use of spoken dialogue. In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, operetta spread across Europe and North America, with composers such as Gilbert and Sullivan, Franz Lehár, and Victor Herbert. The popularity of operetta declined in the mid-20th century, but it has experienced a revival in recent years.