The Tales of Hoffmann (French: Les contes d'Hoffmann) is an opéra fantastique by Jacques Offenbach. The French libretto was written by Jules Barbier, based on three short stories by E. T. A. Hoffmann, who is the protagonist of the story. It was Offenbach's final work; he died in October 1880, four months before the premiere.
Crespel is a character in the second act of “Tales of Hoffmann,” known as “The Antonia Act.” He is a violin maker and the overprotective father of Antonia, a young singer with a fatal illness. He represents the protective yet tragic figure, deeply concerned about his daughter’s health, as her singing exacerbates her illness. His character adds to the opera’s emotional depth, highlighting the themes of paternal love and the tragic consequences of artistic passion.
Photo Credit: Rick LeCompte
COMPOSER’S INFO:
COMPOSER
Jacques Offenbach
OPERA PREMIER
1881
