A sobering Hoffmann

By Intermezzo, 13 November 2011

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Reviewed at Nationaltheater, Munich on 12 November 2011

Offenbach, Les Contes d'Hoffmann (The Tales of Hoffmann)

Bavarian State Opera

Constantinos Carydis, Conductor

Richard Jones, Director

Bayerisches Staatsorchester

Bayerischer Staatsopernchor

Diana Damrau, Olympia

John Relyea, Lindorf

Kevin Conners, Frantz

Angela Brower, Nicklausse

Rolando Villazón, Hoffmann

Mark Pullinger, 6th December

Even without a gingerbread house, there’s enough wickedness in Richard Jones’ staging of Humperdinck’s opera for sweet tooths to savour.

****1

Orsolya Gyárfás, 26th July

Asmik Grigorian leads a searing performance in Martin Kušej’s 15-year-old, yet ever-fresh, outstanding production of Dvořák's opera.

****1

Laura Servidei, 4th January

August Everding’s Magic Flute is revived in Munich with a solid cast for the enjoyment of all ages.

***11

Phillip Richter, 3rd November

Tobias Kratzer's prelude to this new Ring cycle exceeds all expectations and scores a musical-theatrical success.

*****

Orsolya Gyárfás, 17th July

Evgeny Titov's new production is heavy on the jokes and light in substance, but delights anyway thanks to its high-class cast.

****1

Zenaida des Aubris, 23rd December

Expect sequins and swinging chandeliers in the Australian director's new Fledermaus at the Bayerische Staatsoper.

****1