Jacques Offenbach - Les Contes D'Hoffmann DVD

Seeking to exorcise the failure of his current love affair, the poet Hoffmann tells the tales of his three past loves - the doll-like Olympia, the high-class courtesan Giulietta, and the ambitious but delicate Antonia - and recalls how each was thwarted by the evil influence of his rival. In this production by the distinguished film director, John Schlesinger, with spectacular designs by Maria Björnson and William Dudley, Offenbach is nightmare world is brought to life.
The all-star cast is headed by Placido Domingo as Hoffmann: his three loves are Ileana Cotrubas, Agnes Baltsa and Luciana Serra and the manifestations of his rival are rung by Geraint Evans, Robert Lloyd, Siegmund Nimsgern and Nicola Ghiuselev. The score, which includes such favourites as the "Barcarolle" and the "Dolls Song", is conducted by George Pretre.

Music: Jacques Offenbach
Libretto: Barbier and Carre
The Royal Opera, Covent Garden
Producer: John Schlesinger
The Royal Opera Chorus and the Orchestra of the Royal Opera House
Conductor: Georges Pretre
Directed for video by Brian LargeNTSC;