Planquette was a French composer and pianist who studied for a short time at the Paris Conservatoire. While he was there he won a first prize for solfege in 1867 and a second prize for piano in 1868. He was forced to make a living by playing in cafes and writing songs for the cafe-concerts. It was during this time that presented Planquette with the opportunity to compose his first operetta (out of approximately twenty) "Les cloches de Corneville." By far this was his best composition including the popular piece `The Legend of the Bells'. All of his works showed signs of careful craftsmanship. He composed a number of operettas for English audiences including "Rip van Winkle" and "Nell Gwynne." Among Planquette's other popular works was a march that continued to appeal to the French public "Sambre-et-Meuses." ~ Keith Johnson