Bells of Corneville - Public domain American sheet music, 1878

The Bells of Corneville is a French comic opera in three acts by Robert Planquette. It was first performed in Paris in 1877 and quickly became popular throughout Europe and the United States. The story is set in the small town of Corneville in Normandy, France. The town is famous for its bells, made by the local bell maker, Germain. However, Germain has fallen on hard times and is unable to pay his rent. His landlord, the Marquis de Corneville, threatens to evict him unless he can pay up. Meanwhile, a young woman named Serpolette arrives in town. She is a street singer and pickpocket who dreams of marrying well and becoming a lady. She meets Germain's son, Gaspard, and they fall in love. The Marquis de Corneville has a secret: he is not really the rightful owner of the town and its bells. The true heir, Henri de Corneville, was lost at sea as a child and presumed dead. But Henri survived and returns to Corneville to claim his inheritance. Henri falls in love with Germain's daughter, Germaine, but she is already engaged to the pompous Count de Sassenaye. With the help of Serpolette and Gaspard, Henri exposes the Marquis as a fraud and regains his rightful place as Lord of Corneville. The Bells of Corneville are known for their catchy tunes, lively dances and humorous characters. Their most famous song is "The Chimes of Normandy", which has been performed by many famous singers over the years.