Jacques Offenbach (1819–1880) was the undisputed master of the French operetta, and his piano works reflect the same wit, charm and rhythmic energy that made his stage works famous. His piano transcriptions and original pieces are filled with infectious melodies and light-hearted brilliance. For the pianist, Offenbach’s music is about joy and movement, requiring a crisp touch and a keen sense of comic timing. His scores are meant to entertain, asking for a performer who can bring a sense of theatrical sparkle and rhythmic vitality to the keyboard.