Opéra-Comique emerged in the 19th century as an intermediary between grand opera and operetta. This album charts its progression as a distinct genre, tracing the origins from Boieldieu and Méhul early in the century via the classic vitality of masters such as Hérold and Maillart into the operetta style of Offenbach and Lecocq. With innovative features, colorful orchestration, drama, wit, and atmospheric writing, the operas proved very popular and these overtures encapsulate their immense vivacity and charm. Michael Halász leads the ORF Vienna Radio Symphony Orchestra in this entertaining compilation.