"New version of Les contes d'Hoffmann (The tales of Hoffman)" by Jacques Offenbach is a four-act opera that explores the heartbreaking romantic life of a young poet named Hoffmann. In a tavern, Hoffmann's friends notice his sadness and prompt him to share his past loves. He then tells the tales of Olympia, Giulietta, and Antonia, each representing different facets of love and loss. The opera opens with Hoffmann in a tavern, where his concerned friends ask about his deep sadness. They coax him to share stories of his past loves, leading Hoffmann to recall his painful experiences, starting with the beautiful automaton Olympia, who entranced him with her captivating voice and looks, as the opera transitions between cheerfulness and sorrow, the opera sets the scene for exploring romantic misadventures.
New version of Les contes d'Hoffmann (The tales of Hoffman)
By Jacques Offenbach
A poet recounts his three tragic love affairs with an alluring mechanical doll, a Venetian courtesan, and a gifted singer, each leading to heartache and despair.
Summary
About the AuthorJacques Offenbach was a German-born French composer, cellist and impresario. He is remembered for his nearly 100 operettas of the 1850s to the 1870s, and his uncompleted opera The Tales of Hoffmann. He was a powerful influence on later composers of the operetta genre, particularly Franz von Suppé, Johann Strauss II and Arthur Sullivan. His best-known works were continually revived during the 20th century, and many of his operettas continue to be staged in the 21st. The Tales of Hoffmann remains part of the standard opera repertory.
Jacques Offenbach was a German-born French composer, cellist and impresario. He is remembered for his nearly 100 operettas of the 1850s to the 1870s, and his uncompleted opera The Tales of Hoffmann. He was a powerful influence on later composers of the operetta genre, particularly Franz von Suppé, Johann Strauss II and Arthur Sullivan. His best-known works were continually revived during the 20th century, and many of his operettas continue to be staged in the 21st. The Tales of Hoffmann remains part of the standard opera repertory.
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