Diary of a Culture Hedonist

This 1980 production of Les Contes d'Hoffmann is surely becoming a classic in the Royal Opera's repertoire. Vittorio Grigòlo was amazing in the prologue as the delusional and drunken Hoffmann. And his transformation into the young impressionable lover throughout the three acts was every bit believable. Sonya Yoncheva's Antonia was probably the best of the three soprano roles (below).

It was a delight to hear this early Puccini work. Sondra Radvanovsky's rendition of Manon was credible with conviction. Her dying scene in the last act was to die for. des Grieux (Aleksandrs Antonenko) as good too. Jonathan Kent's production was provocative as ever - especially in Act II with the audience gawking at Manon. As ever, Pappano's pacing of the work was crucial to bring the drama to life.

The Nose. Was it an opera? A play? A drama with music? Not sure. It was a wierd story with a strange set. The best was when the cut-off noses doing can-can on stage. It was an entertaining work to see, I guess.