Experience the hauntingly beautiful opera "The Medium" by the renowned composer Gian Carlo Menotti. This album, released on January 1, 2000, under the Maestoso label, offers a captivating journey into the world of supernatural beliefs and human vulnerability. "The Medium" is a two-act opera that delves into the life of Madame Flora, a fraudulent medium who conducts séances to communicate with the dead. Menotti's inspiration for this opera came from a real-life encounter with an eccentric baroness who was deeply convinced of the truth of spiritualism.
The opera, commissioned by the Alice M. Ditson Fund at Columbia University, premiered on May 8, 1946, and has since become one of Menotti's most celebrated works. The album features two complete acts, "The Medium, Act I: Complete" and "The Medium, Act II: Complete," totaling 55 minutes of mesmerizing music. The cast and orchestra bring Menotti's dramatic and almost gothic libretto to life with a chamber music score that is both haunting and enchanting. The string and woodwind sections are particularly noteworthy, adding depth and magic to the performance.
Gian Carlo Menotti, known for his popular operas such as "Amahl and the Night Visitors" and "The Consul," showcases his mastery of storytelling and music in "The Medium." The opera's first professional production was presented on a double bill with Menotti's "The Telephone" at the Heckscher Theater in New York City. This album is a testament to Menotti's ability to create compelling narratives that resonate with audiences, making it a timeless addition to any opera enthusiast's collection.
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