Les Contes d'Hoffmann [The Tales of Hoffmann] (Recorded live in 2006)

185 Minutes

Giancarlo Del Monaco's passionate and intelligent production of Jacques Offenbach's magnum opus creates a climactic kaleidoscope of deep and convincing emotions. A highly credible incarnation of the pitiable Kleinzach he sings about, Aquiles Machado is the poet who loses his romantic idealism, his reflection and finally his soul to a 'trio of charming enchantresses'. Conductor Alain Guingal inspires the superbly dramatic cast, including María Bayo, Milagros Poblador, Valentina Kutzarova and Katharine Goeldner, in an outstanding recording in High Definition video and surround sound.

'The greatest success of the season… superb Aquiles Machado… Bravísima Milagros Poblador…' El Mundo

'Excellent work by Giancarlo del Monaco… extremely careful definition of the characters and efficient directing of the actors which brings out the best in them. … An absolute triumph for the women… a model Nicklausse by Katharine Goeldner, Milagros Poblador's Olympia is relentless and brilliantly mechanical, a dramatic Antonia wonderfully sung by Maria Bayo. Valentina Kutzarova gives Giulietta the exact point of seduction…' El Pais

Bonus Material:
Interviews with María Bayo and Aquiles Machado /
Illustrated Synopsis / Cast Gallery