[Met Performance] CID:170390



Les Contes d'Hoffmann
Metropolitan Opera House, Sat, December 24, 1955




Les Contes d'Hoffmann (74)
Jacques Offenbach | Jules Barbier
Hoffmann
Richard Tucker

Olympia
Laurel Hurley

Giulietta
Jarmila Novotna

Antonia
Lucine Amara

Stella
Natalie Kelepovska

Lindorf/Coppélius/Dappertutto/Dr. Miracle
Martial Singher

Nicklausse
Mildred Miller

Andrès/Cochenille/Pitichinaccio/Frantz
Alessio De Paolis

Luther
Lawrence Davidson

Nathanael
James McCracken

Hermann
Calvin Marsh

Spalanzani
Paul Franke

Schlemil
Clifford Harvuot

Crespel
Norman Scott

Mother's Voice
Sandra Warfield


Conductor
Pierre Monteux







Review 1:

Review of Harold C. Schonberg in The New York Times

MISS HURLEY HEARD IN 'HOFFMANN' ROLE

Saturday evening's performance of "Les Contes d'Hoffmann" at the Metropolitan Opera presented two singers not previously seen in the work here this season. Laurel Hurley, as Olympia, undertook the role for the first time in her Metropolitan career. Jarmila Novotna, as Giulietta, had sung in "Hoffmann" when it was last done, about ten years ago.

Miss. Hurley's performance was splendidly acted. Her characterization was piquant and expertly worked out. She moved as though strung on wires, and every gesture lent an illusion of the presence of an animated doll. Vocally, she sounded a little tentative and uncertain. When she has a few more performances behind her, one has no doubt that the vocalism will be more assured and technically more finished.

It cannot be said that Miss Novotna's singing was entirely convincing, either. Her voice sounded tired, was not always on pitch and lacked bloom. She was, as always, a beautiful figure on stage, one over whom Hoffmann and Schlemil could understandably come to sword's points.

The other leading singers were Richard Tucker, Lucine Amara, Martial Singher, Paul Franke, Mildred Miller, Clifford Harvuot and Alessio De Paolis. Pierre Monteux conducted.



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