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Autumn Magic in New York: An Evening at the Met Opera with "The Tales of Hoffmann"
This year's autumn in New York has been especially enchanting. Warm evenings, with the city bathed in golden hues, offer a special sense of peace and inspiration. Surrounded by this atmosphere, I had the joy of spending a wonderful evening with friends. I’m especially grateful to Olexandra Hrabova, the brilliant opera diva and Reymundo Zauhantitla, for inviting me to the performance at the Metropolitan Opera. Their hospitality and warmth made the night truly a celebration of art and friendship.
As the curtain rose on Jacques Offenbach’s "The Tales of Hoffmann", I was transported into a world of fantasy, where reality intertwines with deep emotions, and the music serves as a guide through human feelings. This opera left an unforgettable impression on me, and I’d love to share some highlights.
"The Tales of Hoffmann" tells the story of love and loss through three different romantic tales, experienced by the protagonist, the German writer and composer E.T.A. Hoffmann. Each story reveals a different facet of feminine nature: the artificial idealization in the character of Olympia, the tragic power of art in the singer Antonia, and the fatal passion in Hoffmann’s relationship with Giulietta. These tales not only offer variety but skillfully blend realistic emotions with fantastic elements, leaving a lasting impression.
One of the opera’s most famous musical pieces is the Barcarolle from the third act. This duet creates an incredibly romantic, yet slightly eerie atmosphere, perfectly underscoring the doomed nature of Hoffmann and Giulietta's relationship. It reminds us of the fragility of human emotions.
''An ensemble of leading lights takes the stage for Offenbach’s fantastical final work, headlined by tenor Benjamin Bernheim in the title role of the tormented poet''
What also captivated me was the recurring theme of the battle between good and evil, present in all three stories. The antagonists in each act are often played by the same singer, symbolizing the unified destructive forces that prevent Hoffmann from finding true love. This adds depth to the opera, making it a universal story about human feelings, ideals, and dreams that often clash with harsh reality.
My evening at the Metropolitan Opera was not just a cultural event, but an emotional journey that left a deep impression on my soul. I’ll be reflecting on this performance and the emotions it stirred for a long time. Thanks to Olexandra and Reymundo Zauhantitla, the night became a special moment, filled with art, friendship, and the magical spirit of a New York autumn.
Article by journalist Oksana Kovalenko
Photo courtesy of Veronika Chekalyuk’s archive
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