Prague ‘Les Contes d’Hoffmann’

Tonight was the premiere of the Czech National Theatre production of ‘Les Contes d’Hoffman’ sung, thank goodness, in French. It was excellent all round!! The production was almost identical to those traditional versions I have seen before but very unfussy and natural – if anything in ‘Hoffman’ could be called ‘natural’.

The tragic weirdness was not overdone even in the Antonia death scene with all that dry ice. All the singers were strong. In the relatively small National Theatre, this makes for a huge sound level!! The chorus and orchestra were – as usual – first rate. It was the best Olympia I can remember – but, of course, I haven’t seen ‘Hoffman’ for yonks.

I saw the first act from my usual box seat but, in the interval, an attendant gave me a house seat in the middle of the stalls. I felt a little intimidated surrounded by the most fashionable people of Prague.

I was glad to see all the stage staff, including the ASMs and various other bodies taking a bow AND all receiving bouquets at the end. Even the repetiteurs come out for a clap!!

Not much on youtube except hundreds of the same few songs. A pity because ‘Hoffman’ has good songs from beginning to end. So here are few videos ..

Jose van Dam – Les Contes d’Hoffmann – Scintille diamant
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EG9l-iySB8k
Barker Roll
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4Lo923kQhHU
Placido Domingo & Beverly Sills – Sextet
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EcY9jc3bg0E
Neil Shicoff – Tatiana Troyanos
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IwN2v9lgcCI
G. Madia’s stage direction
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyUWz3MF8gY

Keith of Ninewells