The Tales of Hoffmann by Jacques Offenbach

The poet E.T.A. Hoffmann is in love with Stella, an opera diva, who has sent him a note setting up a rendezvous in her dressing room. The note is intercepted by Councillor Lindorf, a rival for Stella’s affections. Meanwhile, Hoffmann arrives at Luther’s tavern with a group of students and sings the ballad of the dwarf Kleinzachs. He then recounts the stories of his life’s three great loves.

The first is the mechanical doll, Olympia, created by the inventor, Spalanzani. Hoffmann sees Olympia as human when viewing her through magic glasses sold to him by Coppélius, the inventor’s former partner. At a fairground, Olympia charms the crowd with her singing. Still ignorant of the fact she is a doll, Hoffmann declares his love to Olympia, and they dance together. She spins out of control, Hoffmann’s glasses break and Coppélius, who has been duped out of his share of the profits by his ex-partner, destroys the doll. Hoffmann is mocked for his foolish infatuation.

Hoffmann’s second love is Antonia, whose dead mother was a famous singer, who died of a weak heart. Antonia’s father, Crespel, fears his daughter will suffer the same fate. When she sings with Hoffman, she almost faints. Dr Miracle arrives, claiming he can save Antonia, but Crespel accuses him of killing Antonia’s mother and makes him leave. Overhearing this, Hoffmann pleads with Antonia to give up singing and gains her reluctant agreement. Miracle returns, convincing Antonia it is her mother’s wish that she emulate her as a singer. She sings again and dies from the strain.

The Venetian courtesan, Giulietta seduces Hoffmann. She has been bribed by the evil Dapertutto to steal Hoffmann’s reflection. She has already used her charms to steal the shadow of her current lover, Schlémil. He challenges his rival Hoffmann to a duel and is killed. Hoffmann is horrified to realise he has no reflection, and Giulietta spurns him for the dwarf Pitichinaccio.

Hoffmann’s friend, Nicklausse, (his Muse in disguise) says these three loves all describe aspects of Stella. Hoffmann drowns his sad memories in drink, which repels Stella when she arrives, and she leaves with Lindorf. The poet’s Muse appears in her true form and tells Hoffmann his consolation lies in his creativity.