Offenbach: Les Contes d'Hoffmann - Scano, Rolandi, P. Craig, Shade, Harris, Ramey; Rudel. New York, 1975

Les Contes d'Hoffmann Jacques Offenbach (1819 - 1880) DESCRIPTION Of all the performances of Les Contes d'Hoffmann I have heard over the years, this recording stands among the very finest. Its most remarkable feature is Gianna Rolandi as Olympia, who delivers a dazzling display of coloratura precision, coupled with a seductively creamy tone. American soprano Patricia Craig sings Antonia with a voice that combines a blooming lyric quality with just a touch of steel, making the act's finale particularly exciting. A young Samuel Ramey assumes the four villainous roles, his pristine voice conveying both malevolence and swagger. Gaetano Scano gives an admirable account of the title role, although his performance is somewhat overshadowed by the exceptional caliber of the artists surrounding him. CAST Lindorf – Samuel Ramey Andrès – Jerold Siena Luther – Philip Steele Nathanaël – Melvin Lowery Hermann – Thomas Jamerson Nicklausse – Hilda Harris Hoffmann – Gaetano Scano Olympia – Gianna Rolandi Spalanzani – James Billings Cochenille – Jerold Siena Coppélius – Samuel Ramey Giulietta – Nancy Shade Pittichinaccio – Jerold Siena Schlémil – William Ledbetter Dapertutto – Samuel Ramey Antonia – Patricia Craig Crespel – Irwin Densen Frantz – Jerold Siena Docteur Miracle – Samuel Ramey La Mère d'Antonia – Diane Curry DETAILS Location: New York Date: September 11, 1975 Conductor: Julius Rudel Catalogue Number: OD 12424-2 Label: Opera Depot Number of Discs: 2 In Stereo