This opera gives us the opportunity to discover the misfortunes of a fortunate artist. Hoffmann reminisces about the times in his life when he felt truly in love…
There was the graceful Olympia, who turned out to be an automaton rather than a living woman. Then, there was the mortally ill Antonia, who was slayed by her love of the vocal arts. And, finally, the courtesan Giulietta, whose interest in Hoffmann was selfish and fleeting. Today, however, Hoffmann is madly in love with Stella, convinced that she is the one, because she embodies the best qualities of Olympia, Antonia and Giulietta.
Jacques Offenbach’s Les contes d'Hoffmann (The Tales of Hoffmann) is based on E. T. A. Hoffman’s short stories which explore the notions of romantic ideals as well as true love, allowing the composer to create a rich musical score. The fifth production of Les contes d'Hoffmann at the Latvian National Opera and Ballet is being staged under the musical leadership of the French maestro Frédéric Chaslin. Director Aik Karapetian’s version is an exciting and fun visual adventure, accompanied by gorgeous music.
Performance language: French
Translation in surtitles: Latvian, English
Synopsis
The notable art collector, Hoffman, struggles with alcohol abuse and the strained relationship with his wife, the famous singer Stella. No longer able to tolerate her husband’s destructive lifestyle, she decides to leave him. Hoffmann is distraught: Stella was his one true love. Meanwhile, his Muse transforms herself into his trusted companion, the cat Nicklausse.
Hoffman’s guests (who are, in fact, just various aspects of himself) expect a tantalising tale from the artist. He decides to entertain them with a lecture about a special mushroom, known as ‘Klein-Zack’. The protagonist, his friend Nicklausse and his nemesis Lindorf all take the ‘magic mushrooms’ and together they dive into the artist’s subconscious mind. As they do so, Hoffman’s thoughts drift back to Stella, making his audience lose track of the story. They demand a toast to love instead. Under the influence of the mushrooms, Hoffman revisits the world of his art and faces his illusions about love during various times of his life.
The first world is centred around Olympia, who turned out to be a lab experiment – the first artificial woman, created by the scientist Spalanzani. Disguising himself as Coppélius, Lindorf sells Hoffmann a magic light that makes Olympia appear as a living being. Hoffmann doesn't realise the deception until Coppélius turns the magic light off, revealing the harsh truth for all to see.
The second world focuses on Hoffmann's love for Antonia, the daughter of a renowned prima donna, who dreams of a successful career and a life with Hoffmann. But her father forbids her to sing, fearing that his poorly daughter would die in the same way as her mother. When Hoffmann hears of this, he begs Antonia to give up her singing in the name of his love. She agrees. But Lindorf, disguised as Dr Miracle, persuades her not to give up her promising career in exchange for the mundane life of a housewife and a mother. Suddenly, Antonia hears the voice of her deceased mother. Unaware of Dr Miracle’s ill intentions, Antonia sings again… only to collapse and die.
Deeply disappointed in romantic love, Hoffmann throws himself in the embraces of courtesan Giulietta. She pretends to return the affections, though she’s secretly following Captain Dapertutto’s – or Lindorf’s – orders to seduce him. Dapertutto wants Giulietta to take Hoffmann's reflection from him. Desiring Giulietta, Hoffman agrees to give it to her. Giulietta’s ex-lover, Schlémil (whose shadow she has already stolen) catches Hoffman with the selfish courtesan. Knowing that Schlémil has the keys to her boudoir, Hoffman challenges him to a duel where Schlémil wounds Hoffmann, and the effect of his inflicted wounds snaps Hoffman back to reality.
Accompanied by the influential Lindorf, Stella returns to poach some of the artwork from Hoffman’s collection. But his encounters with the past enable Hoffman to overcome his obsession with Stella – a woman who embodies the qualities of Olympia, Antonia, and Giulietta. And his Muse is there to remind him that his true purpose in life is art.
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