Vois sous l'archet frémissant (Alexandra Kadurina)

There's something inexplicable about Kadurina's performance of this role. Her Nicklausse is definitely one of my favorite interpretations, despite the questionable staging of the ending of this production. Sassy, observant, devoted, defensive, and above all protective of his dear poet no matter the choices Hoffmann makes. His confident, gentle rendition of this aria gets me every time. It's not yearning as much as assurance, almost as if he can see the future (which, being a Muse, he probably can). The affection he shows his Hoffmann is tender and unselfish. And the singing! Kadurina's voice is something special and the way she handles the end gives me chills. But enough of my ramblings--see for yourself.
From the Zürich 2021 production.