Les Nations

Les Nations was billed as an ode mingled with entertainments, but today it would be designated as a production number in the Hollywood meaning of this term. It was written in five days to mark a visit to Paris by the Lord Mayor of London. The poetry was composed by Théodore de Banville, and the music was created by Adolphe Adam. Arthur Saint-Léon was responsible for its choreography, and Despléchin did its sets. It had its only three performances on 6, 8, and 11 August 1851. The setting of Les…