The Tales of Hoffmann by Jacques Offenbach received it premiere in 1851. At the Met, Vittorio Grigolo takes on the role of tortured poet and unwitting adventurer, Hoffmann in a wild kaleidoscopic production. Soprano Hibla Gersmava sings the role of all three heroines, each an idealized embodiment of some aspect of Hoffmann's desire. Pre-performance opera talk for the Metropolitan Opera live broadcast on Saturday January 31.