The Medium

The Medium is a short (one hour long) two-act dramatic opera with words and music by Gian Carlo Menotti. Commissioned by Columbia University, its first performance was there on 8 May 1946. The opera's first professional production was presented on a double bill with Menotti's The Telephone at the Heckscher Theater, New York City, February 18-20, 1947 by the Ballet Society. The Broadway production took place on May 1, 1947, at the Ethel Barrymore Theater with the same cast.[1] In 1951, Menotti directed, with the help of filmmaker Alexander Hammid, a film version made to resemble film noir, and starring Anna Maria Alberghetti. A live television production starring Marie Powers took place on 12 December 1948 on the TV series Studio One.

Category:

Education

Tags:

• menotti
• opera
• operette
• medium
• psychic
• supernatural
• music
• northwestern
• university
• radio

[rexoxley]

Also, Baba needs to "pass out" not just go to sleep and don't sing TO the audience, she should be in full contemplation, trying to figure things out for herself; this is part fear and paranoia and part drunkeness, which allows for deeper emotions to surface; guilt, frustration and all kinds of anxieties. I like all the voices all around but not necessarily what you did with them here. Opera is singing dramatics...I just heard the singing of words and notes -- no drama. The Medium must have drama

[sharethestage]

I find this performance touching and beautiful.

[FireStar32005]

After not seeing this for a year, and seeing a few different performances of this work, I'm still impressed. The woman playing Baba is excellent, especially with setting the mood. :D

[operageek65]

Hooray!! I've been wanting to see this for ages!

[psychicbyinternet]

@EDNASINGINGFORSOUL Try a university library. Or classical scores library online.

[Hawitoyou]

Toby was great but I really enjoyed the crazy lady the best!

[rexoxley]

This WAS a most pleasing attempt at this opera. I was pleased to see a full production of it here produced by a University, I prepared a mounted version myself for my senior project. I enjoyed watching this production, however, I feel like there are some weaknesses that keep it from rising to any level of splendor -- even for a college production. I offer my opinion with great respect for all those involved in this production.

[rexoxley]

I felt that the biggest problem here was the tempo....it was rushed, rushed, rushed all the way through. Did you HAVE to be done inside an hour? Menotti is all about music-drama and pure theatre, I didn't feel any here. Baba had so many chances to be very dramatic but there was weak acting. Baba's character is complex and I only saw a glimmer of a side or two. I never believed that Toby was actually "afraid" even though he went through the movements and motions of trying to show us, he wasn't.