Dive into the captivating world of Gian Carlo Menotti with his compelling double bill of one-act operas, "The Medium" and "The Telephone." Released on April 5, 2011, under the Naxos label, this album offers a unique blend of drama and comedy, showcasing Menotti's versatility as a composer and librettist.
"The Medium," the first opera on this album, is a chilling exploration of spiritualism and deception. The story unfolds through a series of intense, psychologically charged scenes, with each track building upon the last to create a gripping narrative. The opera's haunting melodies and dramatic orchestration make it a standout piece in Menotti's repertoire.
Following "The Medium" is "The Telephone," a delightful comedy that provides a stark contrast to the preceding opera. This lighthearted piece centers around a young woman's infuriating habit of chatting on the telephone, much to the chagrin of her would-be suitor. The opera's witty dialogue and charming music make it a joy to experience.
With a runtime of just under 1 hour and 17 minutes, this album is perfect for those looking to explore the world of opera in a concise yet satisfying format. The performances are conducted by Emanuel Balaban, with the orchestra and cast delivering powerful, nuanced interpretations of Menotti's score. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a curious newcomer, this album offers an engaging and enjoyable introduction to the works of Gian Carlo Menotti.
2011 Naxos2011 Naxos
Tracks
The Medium, Act I: IntroductionGian Carlo Menotti, Evelyn Keller, Marie Powers, Beverly Dame, Frank Rogier, Catherine Mastice, Emanuel Balaban
The Medium, Act I: Where, oh, where (Monica)Gian Carlo Menotti, Evelyn Keller, Marie Powers, Beverly Dame, Frank Rogier, Catherine Mastice, Emanuel Balaban
The Medium, Act I: How many times I've told you not to touch my things! (Baba, Monica)Gian Carlo Menotti, Evelyn Keller, Marie Powers, Beverly Dame, Frank Rogier, Catherine Mastice, Emanuel Balaban
The Medium, Act I: Good evening, Madame Flora (Mrs. Gobineau, Mr. Gobineau, Baba, Mrs. Nolan)Gian Carlo Menotti, Evelyn Keller, Marie Powers, Beverly Dame, Frank Rogier, Catherine Mastice, Emanuel Balaban
The Medium, Act I: It happened long ago (Mrs. Gobineau, Mr. Gobineau, Baba)Gian Carlo Menotti, Evelyn Keller, Marie Powers, Beverly Dame, Frank Rogier, Catherine Mastice, Emanuel Balaban
The Medium, Act I: You must be very silent (Mr. Gobineau, Baba, Monica, Mrs. Nolan)Gian Carlo Menotti, Evelyn Keller, Marie Powers, Beverly Dame, Frank Rogier, Catherine Mastice, Emanuel Balaban
The Medium, Act I: Mother, mother, Are you there? (Monica, Mr. Gobineau, Mrs. Nolan, Mrs. Gobineau)Gian Carlo Menotti, Evelyn Keller, Marie Powers, Beverly Dame, Frank Rogier, Catherine Mastice, Emanuel Balaban
The Medium, Act I: What Is It? Who Is It? (Baba, Mr. Gobineau, Mrs. Gobineau, Mrs. Nolan)Gian Carlo Menotti, Evelyn Keller, Marie Powers, Beverly Dame, Frank Rogier, Catherine Mastice, Emanuel Balaban
The Medium, Act I: Baba, what has happened? (Monica, Baba)Gian Carlo Menotti, Evelyn Keller, Marie Powers, Beverly Dame, Frank Rogier, Catherine Mastice, Emanuel Balaban
The Medium, Act I: The sun has fallen and It lies in blood (Monica, Baba)Gian Carlo Menotti, Evelyn Keller, Marie Powers, Beverly Dame, Frank Rogier, Catherine Mastice, Emanuel Balaban
The Medium, Act II: IntroductionGian Carlo Menotti, Evelyn Keller, Marie Powers, Beverly Dame, Frank Rogier, Catherine Mastice, Emanuel Balaban
The Medium, Act II: Bravo! (Monica)Gian Carlo Menotti, Evelyn Keller, Marie Powers, Beverly Dame, Frank Rogier, Catherine Mastice, Emanuel Balaban
The Medium, Act II: Monica, Monica, can't you see (Monica)Gian Carlo Menotti, Evelyn Keller, Marie Powers, Beverly Dame, Frank Rogier, Catherine Mastice, Emanuel Balaban
The Medium, Act II: Where Is Monica? (Baba)Gian Carlo Menotti, Evelyn Keller, Marie Powers, Beverly Dame, Frank Rogier, Catherine Mastice, Emanuel Balaban
The Medium, Act II: Good evening, Madame Flora (Mrs. Gobineau, Mrs. Nolan, Mr. Gobineau, Monica)Gian Carlo Menotti, Evelyn Keller, Marie Powers, Beverly Dame, Frank Rogier, Catherine Mastice, Emanuel Balaban
The Medium, Act II: Don't stand there like a fool! (Baba, a Voice)Gian Carlo Menotti, Evelyn Keller, Marie Powers, Beverly Dame, Frank Rogier, Catherine Mastice, Emanuel Balaban
The Medium, Act II: Afraid, am I afraid? (Baba)Gian Carlo Menotti, Evelyn Keller, Marie Powers, Beverly Dame, Frank Rogier, Catherine Mastice, Emanuel Balaban
The Medium, Act II: Who's there? Who's there? (Baba, Monica)Gian Carlo Menotti, Evelyn Keller, Marie Powers, Beverly Dame, Frank Rogier, Catherine Mastice, Emanuel Balaban
The Telephone: IntroductionGian Carlo Menotti, Marilyn Cotlow, Frank Rogier, Emanuel Balaban
The Telephone: Oh! Just what I wanted (Lucy, Ben)Gian Carlo Menotti, Marilyn Cotlow, Frank Rogier, Emanuel Balaban
The Telephone: That was Margaret (Lucy, Ben)Gian Carlo Menotti, Marilyn Cotlow, Frank Rogier, Emanuel Balaban
The Telephone: It Is four-fifteen (Lucy, Ben)Gian Carlo Menotti, Marilyn Cotlow, Frank Rogier, Emanuel Balaban
The Telephone: Try again and again (Ben, Lucy)Gian Carlo Menotti, Marilyn Cotlow, Frank Rogier, Emanuel Balaban
The Telephone: Hello, This Is Lucy (Lucy, Ben)Gian Carlo Menotti, Marilyn Cotlow, Frank Rogier, Emanuel Balaban
The Telephone: Hello? … Hello? (Lucy, Ben)Gian Carlo Menotti, Marilyn Cotlow, Frank Rogier, Emanuel Balaban
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