Offenbach: Les Contes D'Hoffman (2006)

Giancarlo Del Monaco's passionate and intelligent production of Jacques Offenbach's magnum opus creates a climactic kaleidoscope of deep and convincing emotions. A highly credible incarnation of the pitiable Kleinsach he sings about, Aquiles Machado is the poet who loses his romantic idealism, his reflection and finally his soul to a trio of charming enchantresses. Conductor Alain Guingal inspires the superbly dramatic cast, including Maria Bayo, Milagros Poblador, Valentina Kutzarova and Katharine Goeldner, in an outstanding recording in High Definition video and surround sound.