Musically speaking, the cast, orchestra and chorus were on fire. Mexican tenor Jesús León was making his Bellas Artes and role debut as Hoffmann so the stakes were high. After a very solid career in Europe, León proved to be ready to perform the challenging role of Hoffmann. His voice is very lyrical, Italianate in color and projection, with squillo in his secure, blazing high notes. He was very convincing vocally in the lyrical parts of the score, such as the “Ballad of Kleinzach”, his declaration of love for Olympia or the difficult “O Dieu de quelle ivresse” in Giulietta’s act. He is one of the few tenors that this critic has heard live that is heard with clarity during the trio of Dr. Miracle, Crespel and Hoffmann, giving a radiant high C at the end of it with no problem. His voice blended very well with his leading ladies (Vitelaru and Velasco) and made a credible portrayal of the tormented poet. A true triumph for León.
The review is about the production of 2019, December 8th.
Ingrid Haas
Complete review: http://www.operaclick.com/recensioni/teatrale/mexico-city-teatro-de-bellas-artes-les-contes-dhoffmann
