[Met Performance] CID:170390
Les Contes d'Hoffmann {74} Metropolitan Opera House: 12/24/1955.
(Review)
Metropolitan Opera House
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.................Martial Singher
Coppélius...............Martial Singher
Dappertutto.............Martial Singher
Dr. Miracle.............Martial Singher
Nicklausse..............Mildred Miller
Andrès..................Alessio De Paolis
Cochenille..............Alessio De Paolis
Pitichinaccio...........Alessio De Paolis
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
Director................Cyril Ritchard
Designer................Rolf Gérard
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.