Story Overview
Les Contes d’Hoffmann show in New York tells the story of a poet named Hoffmann as he reflects on his past loves. The opera has three separate tales, each recounting Hoffmann’s encounters with a different woman, all of whom represent various aspects of love and loss.
The story begins in a tavern, where Hoffmann, weary and heartbroken, shares his stories with the patrons. His first tale is about Olympia, a lifelike mechanical doll created by the inventor Spalanzani. Hoffmann falls passionately in love with Olympia, completely unaware that she is not human. The truth is revealed in a cruel twist, leading to Hoffmann’s first experience of heartbreak.
In the second tale, Hoffmann is in love with Antonia, a gifted singer who suffers from a mysterious illness. Antonia’s father, Crespel, forbids her from singing because it worsens her condition. Despite this, Antonia is manipulated by the evil Dr. Miracle, who convinces her to sing, resulting in her death. Hoffmann’s love for Antonia ends in tragedy, deepening his sorrow.
The third and final tale takes place in Venice, where Hoffmann becomes infatuated with Giulietta, a beautiful and seductive courtesan. Giulietta, under the influence of the villainous Dapertutto, agrees to steal Hoffmann’s reflection as part of a scheme to betray him. Hoffmann is left devastated by Giulietta’s betrayal, marking the third time he has lost in love.
The opera concludes back in the tavern, where Hoffmann, overwhelmed by the pain of his past, descends into despair. However, his muse appears, urging him to find solace in his art rather than in fleeting romances. Through his suffering, Hoffmann ultimately realizes that his experiences with love, though painful, have inspired his greatest works as a poet.
Cast Information
The Les Contes d’Hoffmann show today in NYC, directed by the acclaimed director Bartlett Sher, features a talented cast that enhances the emotional depth of the opera.
- Vittorio Grigolo as Hoffmann
- Erin Morleyas Olympia
- Ailyn Pérez as Antonia
- Christine Riceas Giulietta
- Ildar Abdrazakov as The Four Villains (Lindorf, Coppélius, Dr. Miracle, and Dapertutto)
- Kate Lindsey as The Muse/Nicklausse
- Tony Stevenson as Spalanzani
- Patrick Carfizzias Crespel
Venue Details
The Metropolitan Opera House, located at Lincoln Center in New York City, is one of the world’s most prestigious venues for opera. Known for its grandeur and exceptional acoustics, it has been the home of the Metropolitan Opera since 1966. The venue’s design features iconic arches and its interior has a magnificent auditorium that seats over 3,800 patrons.
The hall is renowned for its stunning chandeliers and the vast gold curtain that adds to the lavish atmosphere. The stage of the Metropolitan Opera House is one of the largest in the world, accommodating elaborate sets and productions with ease. It has hosted countless legendary performances like the Les Contes d’Hoffmann in New York, making it a dream destination for opera lovers.
Reviews
Les Contes d’Hoffmann show in New York has consistently received strong reviews from critics and audiences alike, with praise often directed at its combination of fantasy and romance, as well as its touching musical score. The “Barcarolle” (Belle nuit, ô nuit d’amour) is often highlighted as one of the most beautiful duets in opera. Critics appreciate the way the music enhances the mood of each act, from the whimsical to the heart-wrenching.
The opera demands exceptional vocal talent, and many reviews focus on the performances of the lead roles. Tenors cast as Hoffmann are often praised for their ability to convey the character’s complex emotions. Soprano performances, particularly in the roles of Olympia, Antonia, and Giulietta, are also frequently applauded for their technical skill and emotional depth.
Les Contes d’Hoffmann often receives praise for its innovative staging and set design. Reviews have highlighted how directors bring the opera’s fantastical elements to life, using elaborate sets, creative lighting, and multimedia effects. Many reviews comment on the opera’s popularity, stating that despite its 19th-century origins, Les Contes d’Hoffmann continues to resonate with contemporary audiences.
Music
Les Contes d’Hoffmann in New York is renowned for its rich and varied musical score that beautifully captures the drama, romance, and fantasy of the story. The music is expressive, reflecting the emotional complexity of the characters and their tales. Here is a list of the key songs (arias and ensembles) from Les Contes d’Hoffmann.
- “Glou! Glou! Glou!”— This drinking chorus opens the opera, where the students in the tavern sing about the joys of drinking, setting a lively tone.
- “Il était une fois à la cour d’Eisenach”— Hoffmann’s first song, where he begins to narrate his tales, introducing his love stories to the audience.
- “Les oiseaux dans la charmille” (The Doll Song) — Olympia’s aria, where she sings a charming but mechanical song, revealing her true nature as a machine.
- “Voyez-la sous son éventail” — A duet between Hoffmann and Olympia, where Hoffmann is captivated by Olympia’s beauty and sings of his love for her.
- “C’est une chanson d’amour”— Antonia’s heartfelt aria, where she sings about the power and sorrow of love, reflecting her doomed relationship with Hoffmann.
- “Elle a fui, la tourterelle”— Another aria by Antonia, expressing her longing and the pain of being unable to pursue her love for Hoffmann due to her illness.
- “O Dieu! de quelle ivresse”— A duet between Hoffmann and Antonia, where they sing passionately about their love for each other, unaware of the tragedy that awaits.
- “Scintille, diamant”— Dapertutto’s aria, where he sings about the power of his magic, as he prepares to manipulate Giulietta into betraying Hoffmann.
- “Belle nuit, ô nuit d’amour” (Barcarolle)— One of the most famous pieces in the opera, this duet between Giulietta and Nicklausse is a lyrical and dreamy song that shows the romantic atmosphere of Venice.
- “Amis! L’Amour tendre et rêveur”— Hoffmann sings of his deep love and devotion, reflecting his feelings in each of the tales he recounts.
- “Jour et nuit je me mets en quatre”— A comic aria sung by the character of Frantz, the servant, who humorously discusses his forgetfulness and clumsiness.
- “Des cendres de ton cœur”— The final ensemble, where the characters come together, and Hoffmann realizes that his suffering has been transformed into art.
Awards
Les Contes d’Hoffmann has been recognized for its artistic excellence in various productions throughout the globe. While the opera itself hasn’t won any awards, its numerous adaptations and performances have received acclaim and accolades worldwide.
Run Length and Schedule
The total duration of Les Contes d’Hoffmann in New York is typically around 3 hours and 30 minutes, including two intermissions. The opera is divided into a prologue, three acts, and an epilogue, with each segment varying in length. Les Contes d’Hoffmann has a limited run at The Metropolitan Opera, starting on September 24 and ending on October 18.
Weekly Schedule
- Monday: 7:30 PM
- Tuesday:7:30 PM
- Wednesday: 7:30 PM
- Thursday:7:30 PM
- Friday:8:00 PM
- Saturday:1:00 PM (Matinee) and 8:00 PM
Food and Beverage Options
The Metropolitan Opera House offers a variety of food and beverage options to enhance the experience of attendees. The Grand Tier Restaurant on the Grand Tier level offers a fine dining experience featuring a selection of gourmet dishes, including appetizers, entrées, and desserts. The menu often highlights seasonal and locally sourced ingredients.
Concessions are also available at various points throughout the venue. Their offerings include a selection of snacks, such as pretzels, popcorn, and candy. They also have beverages like soda, water, and occasionally alcoholic options.
