Offenbach: The Tales of Hoffmann

Offenbach: The Tales of Hoffmann
- Music
This is the first of many recordings that attempts to return this opera--which the composer left unfinished at his death--to something more in line with what he envisioned. While it may work in the theater, it seems fitful on record, particularly with spoken dialogue. The cast, with PlÂ¡cido Domingo in the title role and Joan Sutherland playing all three heroines in the flashbacks, has long made this recording a first-choice Hoffmann among some critics. But Domingo lacks the ideal vocal elegance, and having three different personalities as the heroines can be much more interesting. This recording does have some famous French character singers in its favor--Hugues CuÂ©nod and Gabriel Bacquier--but this may be mostly for Sutherland fans. --David Patrick Stearns
Country USA
Brand Decca
Manufacturer Decca/London
Binding Audio CD
ItemPartNumber 28941736321
Model 28941736321
ReleaseDate 1990-10-25
UnitCount 2
Format Box set
UPCs 028941736321
EANs 0028941736321

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