Léo Delibes Essentials

Able to deftly paint character and scene with expressive melodies, Léo Delibes (1836-91) was a natural composer for the stage. His sparkling orchestration is best heard in his ballets, particularly Coppélia and Sylvia which were greatly admired by Tchaikovsky. Much of his music has been “borrowed” and so become familiar to a wide audience—whether the stealthy “Pizzicati” from Sylvia, or the fluttering “Musique des automates” from Coppélia. His expressive range, though, is evident beyond the usual dances—try the “Prélude” from his complete ballet Sylvia. Delibes wrote equally lovely music for the voice: his opera Lakmé includes the much-covered Flower Duet (“Viens, Mallika”) and Bell Song.