User Reviews

I have been consistently impressed with the Met, and this Tales of Hoffmann is no exception. The music is wonderful, and the story has an interesting structure and told seamlessly throughout. The production is also visually opulent with its sumptuous costumes- Antonia's is splendid and the four villains look genuinely imposing- and atmospheric settings, complete with excellent picture and sound quality. The orchestra once again play with panache and you can tell as always that James Levine loves his job. The performances are great across the board. Neil Shicoff not only can sing beautifully but he is sympathetic and poignant while also playing a convincing drunk in the prologue. Susan Quittmeyer is a musically sung Nicklausse, and while Gwendolyn Bradley- though perhaps she could have sung the Doll Song with more lightness- and Roberta Alexander sing with engaging agility and allure, Tatiana Troyanos as Guilietta was the one who stood out, while James Morris especially as Lindorf excels in the four dominating villain roles. All in all, a dazzling Tales of Hoffmann. 9/10 Bethany Cox