Les Contes d’Hoffmann

Jacques Offenbach (1819–1880)

DESCRIPTION

This performance of Les Contes d’Hoffmann employs the Opéra-Comique version with spoken dialogue, incorporating several notable departures from the standard edition. In the title role, Nicolai Gedda sings with unforced ease, dramatic conviction, and stylistic polish. Christiane Eda-Pierre lends her warm-toned soprano to the role of Antonia, igniting the stage in the act’s final moments. Mady Mesplé delivers pinpoint accuracy and glittering high notes as Olympia, while Tom Krause invests the four villains with both charisma and finely honed vocal authority.

CAST

Hoffmann – Nicolai Gedda
Lindorf/Coppelius – Tom Krause
Dappertutto/Miracle – Tom Krause
Olympia – Mady Mesplé
Giulietta – Suzanne Sarocca
Antonia – Christiane Eda-Pierre
Andrés/Cochenille – Michel Sénéchal
Pittichinaccio/Frantz – Joseph Rouleau
Crespel – Jean Soumagnas
Schlémil – Jean Soumagnas

DETAILS

Location: Paris
Date: October, 1976
Conductor: Jean Perrisson
Catalogue Number: OD 12270-2
Label: Opera Depot
Number of Discs: 2
In Mono

Prologue

Giulietta Act

Olympia Act

Antonia Act

Epilogue