The Tales of Hoffmann

The Muse of Poetry descends among the Spirits of Wine. Stella, a beautiful opera star, has captivated the poet Hoffmann. The envious Muse orders the Spirits to help her dispose of Stella’s unwanted influence. She disguises herself as Nicklausse, companion to Hoffmann.

A group of students arrives for refreshments during the interval of Don Giovanni. Hoffmann, preoccupied with his love for Stella, joins them, accompanied by Nicklausse. The students coax Hoffmann into telling the tale of Kleinzach. Tensions rise between Lindorf and Hoffmann: whenever the poet encounters Lindorf he is beset by misfortune. The poet relates the tales of his three loves.

The young Hoffmann is a pupil of the inventor Spalanzani. Hoffmann is in love with Olympia, whom he takes to be Spalanzani’s daughter. Coppélius the spectacle-maker arrives. Hoffmann gazes at Olympia through a pair of his glasses and is overcome by her beauty. Spalanzani makes a deal with Coppélius, to buy out his stake in Olympia.

Guests arrive. Spalanzani presents Olympia to them as his daughter. Olympia sings, to great acclaim, and the guests go to dinner. Alone with Olympia, Hoffmann becomes convinced that she loves him. Coppélius returns, enraged that Spalanzani has cheated him. He takes revenge by destroying Olympia. Hoffmann realises at last that she was nothing but a mechanical doll.

Crespel has whisked his daughter, Antonia, away to Munich, far from Hoffmann. She is ill, and it could be fatal for her to perform. Hoffmann arrives unannounced, desperate to find out the reason for Antonia’s departure. She tells him that her father no longer permits her to perform. Hearing Crespel return, Hoffmann hides. Dr Miracle arrives, to Crespel’s dismay: he remembers the part Miracle played in the death of his wife.

Hoffmann now understands Crespel’s motives, but he keeps them secret. Instead, he urges Antonia to abandon hope of future glory as a performer. Miracle tries to lure Antonia into performing. She resists until he conjures up a spirit resembling her mother. Antonia gives way. Miracle accompanies Antonia while she performs. She collapses. Crespel accuses Hoffmann of causing his daughter’s death. Miracle returns to confirm that Antonia is dead.

In a Venetian Palace, Hoffmann declares he is through with love. Schlemil escorts the courtesan Giulietta into the gaming room. She invites the other guests to join her. The demonic Dappertutto uses a sparkling diamond to summon Giulietta. He commands her to seduce Hoffmann and steal his reflection (or soul). Giulietta’s conquest of Hoffmann is quick, yet when the poet realises what has happened, he remains infatuated with her.

Schlemil challenges Hoffmann to a duel. Schlemil is killed. Hoffmann is goaded by Dappertutto, whom he attacks, and Giulietta is mortally wounded in the exchange that follows. As Nicklausse drags Hoffmann away, Dappertutto gloats in triumph.

Hoffmann reveals that the three stories are different aspects of the same woman: Stella. When Stella appears, fresh from her triumphant operatic performance, Hoffmann, depressed and drunk, does not recognise her.

Stella and Lindorf depart together. Nicklausse transforms back into the character of the Muse. She sings a song of reassurance: through his suffering, Hoffmann’s poetic art will flourish and he will eventually belong to her.