Georges Pretre, The Orcestra of the Royal Opera House - Offenbach: Les Contes d'Hoffmann (2003/1980)

By Jacques Offenbach. Seeking to exorcise the failure of his current love affair, the poet Hoffmann tells the story 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's 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 sung by Geraint Evans, Robert Lloyd, Siegmund Nimsgern and Nicola Ghiuselev. The score, which includes such favorites as the "Barcarolle" and the "Doll's Song", is conducted by Georges Prêtre.

Cast:
Hoffmann - Plácido Domingo
Olympia - Luciana Serra
Giulietta - Agnes Baltsa
Antonia - Ileana Cotrubas
Nicklaus / Muse - Claire Powell
Lindorf - Robert Lloyd
Spalanzani - Robert Tear
Coppélius - Geraint Evans
Dapertutto - Siegmund Nimsgern
Schlémil - Philip Gelling
Pittichinaccio - Francis Egerton
Dr. Miracle - Nicolai Ghiuselev
Crespel - Gwynne Howell
Spirit of Antonia's Mother - Phillis Cannan
Luther - Eric Garret
Nathanaël - Robin Leggate
Hermann - John Rawnsley
Andrès / Cochenille - Paul Crook
Frantz - Bernard Dickerson
Stella - Deanne Bergsma
The Royal Opera Chorus
The Orcestra of the Royal Opera House
Conductor - Georges Prêtre