How Do You Spell HENRI MEILHAC?

Pronunciation: [hˈɛnɹi mˈe͡ɪlhak] (IPA)

Henri Meilhac is a French playwright famous for his collaboration with composer Jacques Offenbach. The pronunciation of his name is [(ɑ̃)ʁi mejak]. The first name, Henri, is pronounced as on-ree with the nasalized 'n' sound. The last name, Meilhac, is pronounced as may-yak with the silent 'h'. The 'e' in the second syllable is silent, and the 'c' at the end is pronounced as 'k'. Meilhac's works are renowned for their wit and humor, making him a celebrated figure in French literature.

HENRI MEILHAC Meaning and Definition

  1. Henri Meilhac (1831-1897) was a French playwright, librettist, and comedy writer best known for his collaboration with Ludovic Halévy. Meilhac is considered one of the most prominent and prolific writers of the "Boulevard theatre" in late 19th-century Paris. He is recognized for his significant contributions to French operetta and comedy.

    As a librettist, Meilhac worked closely with composer Jacques Offenbach, crafting the texts for many of his famous comic operas, including "La Belle Hélène" and "La Vie Parisienne." Meilhac's witty and satirical writing style played a crucial role in enhancing the comedic elements of these operas.

    In addition to his work in opera, Meilhac collaborated with Halévy on numerous successful stage comedies and vaudevilles, which were popular forms of entertainment during his time. Together, they wrote the classic plays "Frou-Frou" and "Tricoche et Cacolet," among others.

    Henri Meilhac's works are characterized by their humorous dialogue, clever wordplay, and insightful social commentary. He had a talent for capturing the spirit of Parisian society, its customs, and its fashions in his writing.

    Meilhac's works have had a lasting impact on the world of French theater and continue to be performed and enjoyed today. His contributions to comedy and operetta have cemented his legacy as a key figure in the vibrant cultural scene of 19th-century France.

Etymology of HENRI MEILHAC

The word "Henri Meilhac" is not derived from a specific etymology as it is a proper noun.

Henri Meilhac was a 19th-century French dramatist and opera librettist known for his collaborations with composer Jacques Offenbach. His name does not have a distinct etymology but is a combination of his given name "Henri" and his surname "Meilhac". Surnames in French often have origins in different languages, historical occupations, or geographical locations, but without further information, it is not possible to determine the specific etymology of "Meilhac" in this case.