Jacques Offenbach: Des Contes D'Hoffmann

Some Tales of Hoffmann

The highlight of the inaugural week of Jean Nouval's new opera house in Lyon was the premiere of "Tales of Hoffmann," conceived by the Opera de Lyon. Inspired by Offenbach's "Les Contes d'Hoffmann" and freely based on the performing edition by leading American musicologist Michael Kaye, this production is far removed from the familiar settings of Luther's tavern and Olympia's salon. Hoffmann - poet, musician and philosopher - finds himself trapped in some kind of infernal huis clos, surrounded by mutant incarnations of the men and women who have been instrumental in his moral and creative decline. Insanity, drunkenness or nightmare? Hoffmann's delirium becomes tangible in the imposing set designed by Philippe Starck.

Lyon has brought together a formidable cast for this production, with Daniel Galvez-Vallejo, a young French tenor of Spanish descent, making a striking impression in the title role. The four villains are portrayed by the peerless Belgian bass-baritone Jose van Dam, and the legendary Gabriel Bacquier plays Spalanzani, Crespel and Schlemil with veteran aplomb.