Dive into the captivating world of Gian Carlo Menotti's "Maria Golovin," a timeless opera that showcases the composer's unparalleled storytelling and musical prowess. This 2011 release, originally commissioned by the NBC and premiered at the 1958 Brussels World's Fair, is a through-composed masterpiece that unfolds over three compelling acts. With a runtime of 2 hours and 23 minutes, this album is a rich tapestry of romance, intrigue, and drama, brought to life through Menotti's distinctive compositional style.
"Maria Golovin" is an English-language opera that centers on a romantic encounter, weaving a narrative that is as engaging as it is musically rich. The album features 34 tracks, each meticulously crafted to advance the story and evoke a range of emotions. From the tender moments of "Ah Maria, Maria, If you could only see" to the dramatic intensity of "No, I do not understand a man like you," every scene is a testament to Menotti's ability to blend music and drama seamlessly.
In addition to the opera, this album also includes a stunning Violin Concerto in A Minor, showcasing Menotti's versatility as a composer. The concerto's three movements—Allegro moderato, Adagio, and Allegro vivace—provide a beautiful contrast to the operatic pieces, highlighting Menotti's range and depth as a musical artist.
Gian Carlo Menotti, an Italian-American composer, librettist, director, and playwright, is renowned for his significant contributions to the world of opera. With "Maria Golovin," he delivers a work that is both historically significant and musically compelling, making it a standout addition to any classical music collection. This album is a testament to Menotti's enduring legacy and his ability to create works that resonate with audiences across generations.
2011 Naxos2011 Naxos
Tracks
Maria Golovin, Act I Scene 1: IntroductionGian Carlo Menotti, Franca Duval, Richard Cross, Patricia Neway, Genia Las, William Chapman, Herbert Handt, Lorenzo Muti, Studio Chorus, Peter Herman Adler
Maria Golovin, Act I Scene 1: One … Two … Three … Good heavens! (Agata)Gian Carlo Menotti, Franca Duval, Richard Cross, Patricia Neway, Genia Las, William Chapman, Herbert Handt, Lorenzo Muti, Studio Chorus, Peter Herman Adler
Maria Golovin, Act I Scene 1: This way, come in, come in! (Mother, Zuckertanz, Donato, Maria)Gian Carlo Menotti, Franca Duval, Richard Cross, Patricia Neway, Genia Las, William Chapman, Herbert Handt, Lorenzo Muti, Studio Chorus, Peter Herman Adler
Maria Golovin, Act I Scene 1: This Is a sad place to take a little boy! (Agata, Donato)Gian Carlo Menotti, Franca Duval, Richard Cross, Patricia Neway, Genia Las, William Chapman, Herbert Handt, Lorenzo Muti, Studio Chorus, Peter Herman Adler
Maria Golovin, Act I Scene 1: … And eight and nine and ten and hop la la! (Mother, Agata)Gian Carlo Menotti, Franca Duval, Richard Cross, Patricia Neway, Genia Las, William Chapman, Herbert Handt, Lorenzo Muti, Studio Chorus, Peter Herman Adler
Maria Golovin, Act I Scene 1: Who Is there? Is there someone? (Donato, Maria)Gian Carlo Menotti, Franca Duval, Richard Cross, Patricia Neway, Genia Las, William Chapman, Herbert Handt, Lorenzo Muti, Studio Chorus, Peter Herman Adler
Maria Golovin, Act I Scene 1: Tell me the truth (Donato, Maria)Gian Carlo Menotti, Franca Duval, Richard Cross, Patricia Neway, Genia Las, William Chapman, Herbert Handt, Lorenzo Muti, Studio Chorus, Peter Herman Adler
Maria Golovin, Act I Scene 1: I will pose for you as long as you like (Donato, Maria)Gian Carlo Menotti, Franca Duval, Richard Cross, Patricia Neway, Genia Las, William Chapman, Herbert Handt, Lorenzo Muti, Studio Chorus, Peter Herman Adler
Maria Golovin, Act I Scene 1: … You must be careful not to play near the lake (Mother, Zuckertanz, Maria, Donato)Gian Carlo Menotti, Franca Duval, Richard Cross, Patricia Neway, Genia Las, William Chapman, Herbert Handt, Lorenzo Muti, Studio Chorus, Peter Herman Adler
Maria Golovin, Act I Scene 2: Aren't you ready yet? (Donato, Agata, Mother)Gian Carlo Menotti, Franca Duval, Richard Cross, Patricia Neway, Genia Las, William Chapman, Herbert Handt, Lorenzo Muti, Studio Chorus, Peter Herman Adler
Maria Golovin, Act I Scene 2: Let us sit by the fire (Donato, Maria)Gian Carlo Menotti, Franca Duval, Richard Cross, Patricia Neway, Genia Las, William Chapman, Herbert Handt, Lorenzo Muti, Studio Chorus, Peter Herman Adler
Maria Golovin, Act I Scene 2: Ah Maria, Maria, If you could only see (Donato, Maria)Gian Carlo Menotti, Franca Duval, Richard Cross, Patricia Neway, Genia Las, William Chapman, Herbert Handt, Lorenzo Muti, Studio Chorus, Peter Herman Adler
Maria Golovin, Act I Scene 2: The prisoners … (Maria, Donato, Trottolo)Gian Carlo Menotti, Franca Duval, Richard Cross, Patricia Neway, Genia Las, William Chapman, Herbert Handt, Lorenzo Muti, Studio Chorus, Peter Herman Adler
Maria Golovin, Act II Scene 1: What Is It? (Donato, Agata)Gian Carlo Menotti, Franca Duval, Richard Cross, Patricia Neway, Genia Las, William Chapman, Herbert Handt, Lorenzo Muti, Studio Chorus, Peter Herman Adler
Maria Golovin, Act II Scene 1: What Is It? (Donato, Prisoner, Agata, Maria)Gian Carlo Menotti, Franca Duval, Richard Cross, Patricia Neway, Genia Las, William Chapman, Herbert Handt, Lorenzo Muti, Studio Chorus, Peter Herman Adler
Maria Golovin, Act II Scene 1: Oh I am so tired, so tired (Maria, Mother, Donato, Zuckertanz)Gian Carlo Menotti, Franca Duval, Richard Cross, Patricia Neway, Genia Las, William Chapman, Herbert Handt, Lorenzo Muti, Studio Chorus, Peter Herman Adler
Maria Golovin, Act II Scene 1: Maria … Yes, Donato (Donato, Maria, Mother)Gian Carlo Menotti, Franca Duval, Richard Cross, Patricia Neway, Genia Las, William Chapman, Herbert Handt, Lorenzo Muti, Studio Chorus, Peter Herman Adler
Maria Golovin, Act II Scene 1: You know, I feel like a girl again (Maria, Donato, Mother, Agata)Gian Carlo Menotti, Franca Duval, Richard Cross, Patricia Neway, Genia Las, William Chapman, Herbert Handt, Lorenzo Muti, Studio Chorus, Peter Herman Adler
Maria Golovin, Act II Scene 2: There you Are! (Mother, Maria, Zuckertanz, Donato)Gian Carlo Menotti, Franca Duval, Richard Cross, Patricia Neway, Genia Las, William Chapman, Herbert Handt, Lorenzo Muti, Studio Chorus, Peter Herman Adler
Maria Golovin, Act II Scene 2: Yes, I must leave you, Donato (Maria, Donato, Agata)Gian Carlo Menotti, Franca Duval, Richard Cross, Patricia Neway, Genia Las, William Chapman, Herbert Handt, Lorenzo Muti, Studio Chorus, Peter Herman Adler
Maria Golovin, Act II Scene 2: Maria. Forgive me (Donato, Maria, Prisoner)Gian Carlo Menotti, Franca Duval, Richard Cross, Patricia Neway, Genia Las, William Chapman, Herbert Handt, Lorenzo Muti, Studio Chorus, Peter Herman Adler
Maria Golovin, Act II Scene 2: No, I do not understand a man like you (Prisoner, Donato)Gian Carlo Menotti, Franca Duval, Richard Cross, Patricia Neway, Genia Las, William Chapman, Herbert Handt, Lorenzo Muti, Studio Chorus, Peter Herman Adler
Maria Golovin, Act III Scene 1: IntroductionGian Carlo Menotti, Franca Duval, Richard Cross, Patricia Neway, Genia Las, William Chapman, Herbert Handt, Lorenzo Muti, Studio Chorus, Peter Herman Adler
Maria Golovin, Act III Scene 1: I'm afraid This Is all we have (Mother, Zuckertanz, Maria)Gian Carlo Menotti, Franca Duval, Richard Cross, Patricia Neway, Genia Las, William Chapman, Herbert Handt, Lorenzo Muti, Studio Chorus, Peter Herman Adler
Maria Golovin, Act III Scene 1: Quando di fuoco si fa la laguna (Maria, Zuckertanz, Mother, Agata, Donato)Gian Carlo Menotti, Franca Duval, Richard Cross, Patricia Neway, Genia Las, William Chapman, Herbert Handt, Lorenzo Muti, Studio Chorus, Peter Herman Adler
Maria Golovin, Act III Scene 2: This Is the largest one I have (Mother, Maria)Gian Carlo Menotti, Franca Duval, Richard Cross, Patricia Neway, Genia Las, William Chapman, Herbert Handt, Lorenzo Muti, Studio Chorus, Peter Herman Adler
Maria Golovin, Act III Scene 2: You Are unfair, Madame, and you know It (Maria, Mother, Donato)Gian Carlo Menotti, Franca Duval, Richard Cross, Patricia Neway, Genia Las, William Chapman, Herbert Handt, Lorenzo Muti, Studio Chorus, Peter Herman Adler
Maria Golovin, Act III Scene 2: Have you told him? (Donato, Maria)Gian Carlo Menotti, Franca Duval, Richard Cross, Patricia Neway, Genia Las, William Chapman, Herbert Handt, Lorenzo Muti, Studio Chorus, Peter Herman Adler
Maria Golovin, Act III Scene 2: Oh, how different Is the world once I lie in your arms (Donato, Maria)Gian Carlo Menotti, Franca Duval, Richard Cross, Patricia Neway, Genia Las, William Chapman, Herbert Handt, Lorenzo Muti, Studio Chorus, Peter Herman Adler
Maria Golovin, Act III Scene 3: What time Is It? (Donato, Mother, Agata)Gian Carlo Menotti, Franca Duval, Richard Cross, Patricia Neway, Genia Las, William Chapman, Herbert Handt, Lorenzo Muti, Studio Chorus, Peter Herman Adler
Maria Golovin, Act III Scene 3: At last, my darling (Maria, Donato, Mother, Zuckertanz)Gian Carlo Menotti, Franca Duval, Richard Cross, Patricia Neway, Genia Las, William Chapman, Herbert Handt, Lorenzo Muti, Studio Chorus, Peter Herman Adler
Violin Concerto in A Minor: I. Allegro moderatoGian Carlo Menotti, Tossy Spivakovsky, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Violin Concerto in A Minor: II. AdagioGian Carlo Menotti, Tossy Spivakovsky, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
Violin Concerto in A Minor: III. Allegro vivaceGian Carlo Menotti, Tossy Spivakovsky, Boston Symphony Orchestra, Charles Münch
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.