Olympia
Spalanzani reflects on the fortune his new invention is going to make for him. It will compensate for the bankruptcy of his banker, Elias, through which he has lost five hundred ducats. His only worry is that Coppelius the spectacle-maker will demand a share of the spoils.
Hoffmann has become a pupil of the inventor in order to be close to his beloved Olympia, whom he takes to be Spalanzani’s daughter. While Spalanzani leaves with his assistant Cochenille to prepare for his evening guests, Nicklausse arrives and chides Hoffmann for lacking the courage to express his feelings openly.
Coppelius arrives with his speciality: magic spectacles. Hoffmann agrees to try a pair. He gazes through these at Olympia and is overcome by her incredible beauty.
Spalanzani returns to find Coppelius waiting for him. He turns the situation to his advantage by offering to buy out his rival’s stake in Olympia. He makes out an order for five hundred ducats payable to Elias’ bank. The deal is agreed and they part on good terms.
When the guests arrive Spalanzani presents Olympia to them as his daughter. By remote control the inventor sets Olympia singing, to great acclaim.
The guests go in to supper and at last Hoffmann is alone with Olympia.
Olympia’s responses to his questions lead him to believe that she reciprocates his love. Despite Nicklausse’s repeated warnings, Hoffmann remains obsessed.
Coppelius returns. He has discovered that Spalanzani has cheated him and, enraged, he takes his revenge by destroying Olympia. Hoffmann realises at last that his beloved was nothing but a mechanical doll.
Interval
Antonia
Antonia’s father, Crespel, has brought her to Munich to shield her from Hoffmann’s influence. She is ill, and for her to sing could be fatal. Despairing, Crespel orders his servant Franz to let no-one into the house. Franz appears to understand this instruction and Crespel leaves.
Franz grumbles about his master’s demands and Hoffmann and Nicklausse appear unannounced. Hoffmann cannot understand why Crespel has whisked Antonia away so abruptly, and has tracked her down in order to discover the reason. Nicklausse’s skepticism is interrupted by Antonia’s entry. Antonia explains that her father no longer permits her to sing. She leaves hurriedly as Crespel returns. Hoffmann meanwhile hides, determined to solve the mystery.
Dr Miracle arrives. Crespel’s horrified reaction stems from the part Miracle played in the death of his wife. He is afraid of losing his daughter as well. Hoffmann and Crespel both look on aghast as Miracle ‘appears’ to examine Antonia. Crespel attempts to remove the evil physician from his house.
