About the work
M. Choufleuri restera chez lui le . . . is a one-act opéra bouffe by Jacques Offenbach. Its libretto is attributed to the Duc de Morny, writing as M. de Saint-Rémy, probably with contributions from Ludovic Halévy, Hector Crémieux and Ernest L'Épine. It was first given as a private performance for Napoleon III at the Palais Bourbon on 31 May 1861, followed by its public premiere on 14 September 1861 at the Théâtre des Bouffes-Parisiens.
Plot
The wealthy but culturally clueless parvenu Choufleuri wants to impress Parisian society with a soirée of famous Italian singers. When they cancel at short notice, his daughter Ernestine and her secret lover Babylas pass themselves off as the expected stars and improvise a mock Italian; Choufleuri, who sees through the ruse, is blackmailed into consenting to their marriage.
Cultural significance
The title alludes to the Parisian custom of announcing one's at-home reception hours, and the piece mocks bourgeois cultural pretension. Thanks to its brevity and modest vocal demands, it remains a favourite of amateur and student ensembles; in German-speaking countries it also circulates under the title Salon Pitzelberger.