Jacques Offenbach composed one of the most popular operas of the 19th century based on three short stories from a literary collection by one of the century’s most popular writers, ETA Hoffmann, entitled “The Tales of Hoffmann.”

In the opera, Offenbach composed the most popular duet, “Belle nuit, o nuit d’amour” (Beautiful Night, oh night of love): the Barcarolle.

Of course, what else could the subject matter be about but love...but don’t be deceived by the lulling rhythm of this gondola inspired song. There’s some weird and messed up stuff going on in this scene (the opera is called an “opera fantastique” after all) and this is where I invite you to do some listening on your own to fill in the blanks.

Sadly, this opera was the last work Offenbach worked on the premiere of - and he he never heard that premiere as he died 4 months before its opening night. 

Moritz Moszkowski was the German-Polish composer pianist who composed this transcription of Offenbach’s Barcarolle. 

To his credit, being sympathetic to the compact and direct beauty of the original, he added nothing to his transcription except in the opening introductory bars - which are better suited to the piano than the orchestral writing would have been, had he chosen to use it.

In both forms, it is an elegant piece of music that distracts by its melodic charm - making no great demands on either the listener or pianist and giving both a moment of respite from the day’s cares.

Listen to Moszkowki's Transcription of Offenbach's Bacarolle

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