Les Contes D'Hoffmann - Royal Opera House Orchestra
1981
Placido Domingo leads an all-star cast in John Schlesinger's exciting production of Offenbach's opera. Performed at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. Conducted by Georges Pretre. Cast also includes: Luciana Serra, Claire Powell and Robert Tear. Sung in French. Subtitled. Read more
| Starring | Placido Domingo, Luciana Serra, Claire Powell, Robert Tear |
|---|---|
| Director | Brian Large, Brian Large |
| Genres | Music/Musical |
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Les Contes D'Hoffmann - Royal Opera House Orchestra
Placido Domingo leads an all-star cast in John Schlesinger's exciting production of Offenbach's opera. Performed at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. Conducted by Georges Pretre. Cast also includes: Luciana Serra, Claire Powell and Robert Tear. Sung in French. Subtitled.
| Starring | Placido Domingo, Luciana Serra, Claire Powell, Robert Tear, Royal Opera House Orchestra |
|---|---|
| Director | Brian Large, Brian Large |
| Studio | WARNER MUSIC VISION |
| Run time | DVD: 2 hrs 30 mins |
| Certificate | |
| Genres | Music/Musical |
| Language | DVD: French |
| Subtitles | DVD: English, French, German, Italian, Japanese, Spanish |
| Released | DVD: 22 Sep 2003 Production year: 1981 |
| Format | DVD |
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Most helpful member's review
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3 out of 3 people found this review helpful
Most enjoyable ? especially with a few glasses of wine
This is probably Offenbach?s most ambitious piece moving away from his natural puffy operetta style towards something a little more substantial. It?s still tremendous fun though. And what an interesting writer ETA Hoffmann was. The first tale appears to be more or less that used by Delibes for his ballet Coppelia. This story must have been written by Hoffmann about the same time or before Mary Shelley?s Frankenstein. Both are about a scientist/magician creating an artificial life form ? must have been something in the air at the time. A very young looking Placido Domingo (this performance is over 20 years old) is Hoffmann and is in fine voice ? although it must be said his French pronunciation leaves something to be desired. Luciana Serra is great fun as the clockwork doll magically brought to life ? impressive top E flat. There is a brief cameo appearance by Sir Geraint Evans as Coppelius. The second tale contains the famous barcarolle. This reminds me of the story of some poor deceased who had requested a ?Bach Choral? be played at his funeral, but unfortunately it was misheard and? The third tale, although a little melodramatic, contains Offenbach?s strongest music. It?s a shame perhaps that he did not create more operas like Les Contes D?Hoffmann, but then again we would not have wanted fewer operettas! Two channel sound only.
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Most recent members' review
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Hoffmann's tales
Having previously only known the Barcarolle and the Doll's aria, I was fascinated to see how these 'pops' fitted into the wider canvas of the opera. I loved the music, and it was generally well sung, but the episodic nature of the work's architecture resulted in the need for perseverence on the viewer's part to be drawn into the emotional journey. The ludicrous tradition of excessive curtain calls at the end of each act does nothing to support continuity, but then you can always fast forward! Generally very enjoyable and a chance to see/hear Domingo in good voice.
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Placido Domingo leads an all-star cast in John Schlesinger's exciting production of Offenbach's opera. Performed at the Royal Opera House in Covent Garden. Conducted by Georges Pretre. Cast also ... -