The music for the opera The Tales of Hoffman was composed by the famous French composer Jacques Offenbach. Offenbach was a prolific composer known for his operettas, but The Tales of Hoffman is considered his only true opera. The opera is based on three short stories by the German writer E.T.A. Hoffmann and follows the protagonist Hoffman on a series of romantic misadventures.

Offenbach began working on The Tales of Hoffman in 1877 but unfortunately passed away before he could complete the opera. It was eventually finished by the composer Ernest Guiraud and premiered posthumously in 1881. The opera has since become one of Offenbach's most popular works, known for its lush melodies and dramatic storytelling.

The Tales of Hoffman features a variety of memorable arias and ensemble pieces, including the famous "Barcarolle" duet sung by the characters Giulietta and Nicklausse. The opera has been performed by opera companies around the world and continues to be a favorite among audiences and critics alike.

If you are interested in learning more about Jacques Offenbach and The Tales of Hoffman, you can visit the official website of the composer at www.jacquesoffenbach.com. There you can find information about Offenbach's life and works, as well as upcoming performances of The Tales of Hoffman.

For a more in-depth look at the opera itself, you can visit the Metropolitan Opera's website at www.metopera.org. There you can find details about past performances of The Tales of Hoffman at the Met, as well as information about the cast and creative team behind the production.

Overall, The Tales of Hoffman is a masterpiece of French opera, with music that continues to captivate audiences over a century after its premiere. If you have the opportunity to see a performance of this opera, don't miss out on the chance to experience the beauty and drama of Offenbach's music firsthand.

Sign Up