The BnF is launching a call for donations for the acquisition of an unpublished collection of the composer Jacques Offenbach (1819-1880). Classified as a work of major heritage interest, this collection is unique in the world. The autograph music manuscripts it contains cover the entire period of Offenbach’s activity, from his first pieces for orchestra (1833) and cello (1835) to The Tales of Hoffmann (1880), the ultimate masterpiece of this great composer, the most performed of the 19th century, and whose popularity lasts almost 140 years after his death.

This collection would complement the collections already present in the Music Department of the BnF, making it preserve the most important collection on Offenbach in the world. It would also guarantee access to a significant part of the sources on the composer’s work and open up new perspectives for the research and promotion of Offenbach’s work.

The call is open until 31 December 2022.

More information on the BnF website (in French): https://www.bnf.fr/fr/participez-lacquisition-du-fonds-offenbach

Photo: Portrait of Offenbach, by Mayer and Pierson (1865) – BnF, département de la Musique