The Medium & The Telephone

Album Description

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of Gian Carlo Menotti's operatic genius with "The Medium & The Telephone," a compelling double bill that showcases the composer's storytelling prowess. Released on January 1, 2000, this album presents two distinct yet complementary one-act operas that highlight Menotti's unique ability to blend drama, humor, and profound insight into the human condition.

"The Medium," composed in 1946, is a haunting exploration of spiritualism and deception. The opera unfolds in two acts, with "Beginning" and "Conclusion" segments that draw the audience into the eerie world of Madame Flora, a fraudulent medium who communicates with the dead. The powerful performances and Menotti's evocative score create an atmosphere of suspense and intrigue that keeps listeners on the edge of their seats.

Complementing "The Medium" is "The Telephone," a witty and charming comedy that premiered in 1947. This one-act opera revolves around a young man's frustration with his girlfriend's incessant phone conversations, offering a delightful commentary on modern communication and relationships. The humor and clever dialogue in "The Telephone" provide a refreshing contrast to the darker themes of "The Medium."

With a running time of 1 hour and 18 minutes, "The Medium & The Telephone" is a captivating journey through Menotti's operatic repertoire. The album features a stellar cast, including Marie Powers, Evelyn Keller, Beverly Dame, Catherine Mastice, Frank Rogier, and Marilyn Cotlow, with Emanuel Balaban conducting. The performances are brought to life by the Maestoso label, ensuring an authentic and immersive listening experience.

Gian Carlo Menotti, born in 1911 and passing away in 2007, was an Italian-American composer known for his significant contributions to the world of opera. His works, including "The Medium" and "The Telephone," have been performed and celebrated worldwide, solidifying his place as a master of the operatic form. This album is a testament to his enduring legacy and a wonderful introduction to his unique style for both newcomers and longtime fans.

1 januari 2000

2000 Maestoso

About Gian Carlo Menotti

Gian Carlo Menotti, the prolific Italian-American composer, is renowned for his significant contributions to the world of opera, with a repertoire of 25 captivating works. Primarily active in the mid-20th century, Menotti's operas are celebrated for their expressive lyricism and dramatic intensity, making him one of the most frequently performed opera composers of his time. Influenced by the likes of Giacomo Puccini and Modest Mussorgsky, Menotti's compositions are deeply rooted in the verismo tradition, emphasizing natural rhythms and textual clarity to enhance the dramatic narrative. His rejection of atonality and the Second Viennese School's aesthetic further solidifies his unique voice in the opera world. Menotti's works, particularly those from the 1940s and 1950s, continue to captivate audiences with their emotional depth and musical richness.