Offenbach: Les Contes d'Hoffmann Seattle 1970 Sutherland Alexander Hecht Bonynge BETTER SOUND

Today, I am very happy to present this jewl of a rare recording! I do hope that you find it as legendary as I do. Date is November 12 1970. This performance being opening night makes this the very first time Bonynge's version of Hoffmann has ever been heard, as well as Joan Sutherland's very first full performance of this opera. I've done pitch corrections to this recording, but unfortunately there are traces of wow and flutter. Of course, I've improved the sound as best I can. Now unfortunately, a small bit of the very beginning of the Olympia act is missing, it starts, but fades out and cuts right to dialogue. Also a tiny bit of the beginning of the Barcarolle in the Giulietta act is missing. Perhaps someone forgot to press record there. There were some odd gaps in random places that I've brought together, thus you may hear a click in those spots. And finally the first few notes of the epilogue are missing. All else is hopefully alright. Even with its flaws, it's still a wonderful legendary jewl of a performance to listen to. Enjoy! Cast: Hoffmann - John Alexander Olympia - Joan Sutherland Giulietta - Joan Sutherland Antonia - Joan Sutherland Coppélius - Joshua Hecht Dapertutto - Joshua Hecht Miracle - Joshua Hecht Nicklaus - Huguette Tourangeau Spalanzani - Jan Rubes Frantz - Gerald Thorsen Schlemil - Jan Rubes Crespil - Jan Rubes Andres - Gerald Thorsen Cochenille - Gerald Thorsen Pitichinacchio - Gerald Thorsen La Mère d'Antonia - Huguette Tourangeau Lindorf - Joshua Hecht Stella - Joan Sutherland Muse - Huguette Tourangeau Conductor - Richard Bonynge