Operetta

Operetta, light, amusing, semi-operatic form using spoken conversation and tuneful songs. Most plots deal with human folly, foolishness or romance, remind the listeners of conscience and good behavior, and have happy endings. Some familiar operettas are Die Fledermaus, by Johann Strauss, Jr., The Merry Widow, by Franz Lehár, H.M.S. Pinafore, by Gilbert and Sullivan, and Naughty Marietta, by Victor Herbert.