Jacques Offenbach's "Tales of Hoffmann" is a captivating journey through the world of E.T.A. Hoffmann's fantastical tales, brought to life through the composer's rich and expressive music. This 2014 release from SOMM Recordings is a complete recording of Offenbach's final opera, a work that masterfully blends romance, mystery, and the supernatural.
The album spans a generous 2 hours and 21 minutes, featuring a full cast of talented performers who bring Offenbach's characters to vivid life. From the whimsical and humorous prologue to the dramatic and poignant tales of Hoffmann's loves, each act is filled with memorable melodies and dramatic intensity.
The opera is divided into three main acts, each telling a different story from Hoffmann's life. The first act, set in the workshop of the inventor Spalanzani, introduces the character of Olympia, a mechanical doll who captivates Hoffmann's heart. The second act transports us to Venice, where Hoffmann falls for the enigmatic Giulietta, only to be betrayed by her and the sinister Dapertutto. The third act takes us to Italy, where Hoffmann's love for the singer Antonia leads to tragedy.
Throughout the album, Offenbach's music shines, showcasing his ability to create vivid musical landscapes that perfectly complement the dramatic action. The orchestration is lush and detailed, with each instrument playing a crucial role in bringing the stories to life.
This recording is a testament to Offenbach's enduring legacy as one of the most innovative and influential composers of the 19th century. Whether you're a seasoned opera fan or a newcomer to the genre, "Tales of Hoffmann" is sure to captivate and enthrall. So sit back, relax, and let the enchanting world of Hoffmann unfold before you.
Tracks
The Tales of Hoffmann, Prologue: PreludeJacques Offenbach, Sir Thomas Beecham, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
The Tales of Hoffmann, Prologue: Glou, Glou, Glou (The Spirits of Wine) [Chorus]Jacques Offenbach, Sir Thomas Beecham, Sadler Wells Opera Chorus, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
The Tales of Hoffmann, Prologue: Drink, Drink, Drink (Chorus)Jacques Offenbach, Sir Thomas Beecham, Sadler Wells Opera Chorus, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
The Tales of Hoffmann, Prologue: Good day my friends (Hoffmann, Nicklausse, Nathaniel, Hermann, Luther, Students)Jacques Offenbach, Sir Thomas Beecham, Robert Rounseville, Monica Sinclair, Rene Soames, Owen Brannigan, Fisher Morgan, Sadler Wells Opera Chorus, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
The Tales of Hoffmann, Prologue: The Legend of Kleinsack (Hoffmann, Chorus)Jacques Offenbach, Sir Thomas Beecham, Robert Rounseville, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sadler Wells Opera Chorus
The Tales of Hoffmann, Prologue: This beer tastes of the stable (Hoffmann)Jacques Offenbach, Sir Thomas Beecham, Robert Rounseville, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
The Tales of Hoffmann, Act I: IntermezzoJacques Offenbach, Sir Thomas Beecham, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
The Tales of Hoffmann, Act I: There sleep in peace (Spalanzani, Hoffmann, Cochenille)Jacques Offenbach, Grahame Clifford, Robert Rounseville, Murray Dickie, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
The Tales of Hoffmann, Act I: So be it (Hoffmann)Jacques Offenbach, Sir Thomas Beecham, Robert Rounseville, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
The Tales of Hoffmann, Act I: Of course I might have known (Nicklausse, Hoffmann)Jacques Offenbach, Sir Thomas Beecham, Monica Sinclair, Robert Rounseville, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
The Tales of Hoffmann, Act I: It is I, Coppelius (Coppelius, Nicklausse, Hoffmann)Jacques Offenbach, Sir Thomas Beecham, Bruce Dargavel, Monica Sinclair, Robert Rounseville, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
The Tales of Hoffmann, Act I: Oh you! Dear professor (Spalanzani, Coppelius)Jacques Offenbach, Sir Thomas Beecham, Grahame Clifford, Bruce Dargavel, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
The Tales of Hoffmann, Act I: None but our host, I do declare (Chorus of Guests)Jacques Offenbach, Sir Thomas Beecham, Sadler Wells Opera Chorus, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
The Tales of Hoffmann, Act I: You will not have to wait my friends (Spalanzani, Nicklausse, Hoffman, Chorus of Guests)Jacques Offenbach, Sir Thomas Beecham, Grahame Clifford, Monica Sinclair, Robert Rounseville, Sadler Wells Opera Chorus, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
The Tales of Hoffmann, Act I: And now ladies, and gentlemen (Spalanzani, Nicklausse, Cochenille, Hoffmann, Olympia, Chorus)Jacques Offenbach, Sir Thomas Beecham, Grahame Clifford, Monica Sinclair, Murray Dickie, Robert Rounseville, Dorothy Bond, Sadler Wells Opera Chorus, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
The Tales of Hoffmann, Act I: The Doll's Song (Olympia, Chorus)Jacques Offenbach, Sir Thomas Beecham, Dorothy Bond, Sadler Wells Opera Chorus, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
The Tales of Hoffmann, Act I: Her reputation well deserved (Hoffmann, Nicklausse, Spalanzani, Olympia, Cochenille, Chorus)Jacques Offenbach, Sir Thomas Beecham, Robert Rounseville, Monica Sinclair, Grahame Clifford, Dorothy Bond, Murray Dickie, Sadler Wells Opera Chorus, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
The Tales of Hoffmann, Act I: So now they've gone away at last (Hoffmann, Olympia)Jacques Offenbach, Sir Thomas Beecham, Robert Rounseville, Dorothy Bond, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
The Tales of Hoffmann, Act I: Oh, my dear, do but stay (Hoffmann, Nicklausse, Coppelius)Jacques Offenbach, Sir Thomas Beecham, Robert Rounseville, Monica Sinclair, Bruce Dargavel, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
The Tales of Hoffmann, Act I: Let the dancing proceed (Spalanzani, Cochenille, Hoffmann, Olympia, Nicklausse, Coppelius, Chorus of Guests)Jacques Offenbach, Sir Thomas Beecham, Grahame Clifford, Murray Dickie, Robert Rounseville, Dorothy Bond, Monica Sinclair, Bruce Dargavel, Sadler Wells Opera Chorus, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
The Tales of Hoffmann, Act II: Entr'acte and barcarolleJacques Offenbach, Sir Thomas Beecham, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
The Tales of Hoffmann, Act II: For me a love like that (Hoffmann, Chorus)Jacques Offenbach, Sir Thomas Beecham, Robert Rounseville, Sadler Wells Opera Chorus, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
The Tales of Hoffmann, Act II: I see a celebration (Schlemil, Giulietta, Pitichinaccio, Hoffmann, Nicklausse, Chorus)Jacques Offenbach, Owen Brannigan, Murray Dickie, Margherita Grandi, Robert Rounseville, Monica Sinclair, Sadler Wells Opera Chorus, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
The Tales of Hoffmann, Act II: So gleam with desire (Dapertutto)Jacques Offenbach, Sir Thomas Beecham, Bruce Dargavel, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
The Tales of Hoffmann, Act II: Fair Angel … (Dapertutto, Giulietta, Hoffmann)Jacques Offenbach, Sir Thomas Beecham, Bruce Dargavel, Margherita Grandi, Robert Rounseville, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
The Tales of Hoffmann, Act II: Just as I thought - Together (Giulietta, Schlemil, Hoffmann, Pitichinaccio, Dapertutto, Nicklausse)Jacques Offenbach, Sir Thomas Beecham, Margherita Grandi, Owen Brannigan, Robert Rounseville, Murray Dickie, Bruce Dargavel, Monica Sinclair, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
The Tales of Hoffmann, Act II: Alas, my soul again outpouring (Hoffmann, Dapertutto, Giulietta, Nicklausse, Schlemil, Pitichinaccio, Chorus)Jacques Offenbach, Sir Thomas Beecham, Robert Rounseville, Bruce Dargavel, Margherita Grandi, Murray Dickie, Owen Brannigan, Monica Sinclair, Sadler Wells Opera Chorus, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
The Tales of Hoffmann, Act II: Do you hear, my friends (Giulietta, Chorus)Jacques Offenbach, Sir Thomas Beecham, Margherita Grandi, Sadler Wells Opera Chorus, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
The Tales of Hoffmann, Act III: All in vain (Antonia)Jacques Offenbach, Ann Ayars, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
The Tales of Hoffmann, Act III: Oh my darling child (Crespel, Antonia, Frantz)Jacques Offenbach, Owen Brannigan, Ann Ayars, Grahame Clifford, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
The Tales of Hoffmann, Act III: Day and night I am always slaving (Frantz)Jacques Offenbach, Sir Thomas Beecham, Grahame Clifford, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
The Tales of Hoffmann, Act III: Frantz, so you're here (Hoffmann, Frantz)Jacques Offenbach, Sir Thomas Beecham, Robert Rounseville, Grahame Clifford, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
The Tales of Hoffmann, Act III: Sweet is the song lovers learn (Hoffmann, Antonia)Jacques Offenbach, Robert Rounseville, Ann Ayars, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
The Tales of Hoffmann, Act III: And yet beloved (Hoffmann, Antonia)Jacques Offenbach, Robert Rounseville, Ann Ayars, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
The Tales of Hoffmann, Act III: Are you ill? (Hoffmann, Antonia, Crespel, Frantz, Dr. Miracle)Jacques Offenbach, Robert Rounseville, Ann Ayars, Owen Brannigan, Grahame Clifford, Bruce Dargavel, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
The Tales of Hoffmann, Act III: Well, say on then, and be brief (Dr. Miracle, Hoffmann, Crespel, Antonia)Jacques Offenbach, Bruce Dargavel, Robert Rounseville, Owen Brannigan, Ann Ayars, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
The Tales of Hoffmann, Act III: No more to sing alas (Hoffmann, Antonia)Jacques Offenbach, Robert Rounseville, Ann Ayars, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
The Tales of Hoffmann, Act III: You'll never sing again (Dr. Miracle, Antonia, the Voice of Antonia's mother, Crespel, Nicklausse, Hoffmann)Jacques Offenbach, Bruce Dargavel, Ann Ayars, Owen Brannigan, Monica Sinclair, Robert Rounseville, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra, Sir Thomas Beecham
The Tales of Hoffmann: Intermezzo. BarcarolleJacques Offenbach, Sir Thomas Beecham, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
The Tales of Hoffmann: Epilogue. Entr'acteJacques Offenbach, Sir Thomas Beecham, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
The Tales of Hoffmann: Epilogue. Pour out the wine and drink (Chorus)Jacques Offenbach, Sir Thomas Beecham, Sadler Wells Opera Chorus, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
The Tales of Hoffmann, Prelude. Legend of Kleinsack - Act 1: Finale - Epilogue - FinaleJacques Offenbach, Sir Thomas Beecham, Royal Philharmonic Orchestra
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