The Medium Tragedy in Two Acts Words and Music by Gian-Carlo Menotti French version by Léon Kochnitzky. [Piano-vocal score]
- New York: G. Schirmer [PN 41701], 1947
New York: G. Schirmer [PN 41701], 1947. Octavo. Original publisher's red wrappers illustrated by Cagli, dated 1947, printed in black and ivory. [i] (title), [i] (copyright), [i] (notes on commission and first performance), [i] (characters and setting), 115, [i] (blank) pp.
Wrappers slightly worn; spine slightly torn and lacking at head. First Edition.
"A commission by the Alice M. Ditson Fund led to his first international success: The Medium, a tragedy in two acts for five singers, a dance-mime role and a chamber orchestra of 14 players. The work is theatrically effective and the music, often quite dissonant, conveys an eerie, morbid atmosphere. Typical of the Italian operatic tradition, The Medium has memorable melodies such as the folk-like ‘O, black swan’. The opera had a run of 212 performances during 1947 at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre on Broadway."
"In 1951 Menotti directed a film version of The Medium, collaborating with the young conductor Thomas Schippers and with Enzo Serafin, the director of photography. It remains one of the finest examples of filmed opera."
"Many of his more commanding musical gestures, like the opening of The Medium, reflect his avowed fondness for Musorgsky." Bruce Archibald and Jennifer Barnes in Grove Music Online.
Wrappers slightly worn; spine slightly torn and lacking at head. First Edition.
"A commission by the Alice M. Ditson Fund led to his first international success: The Medium, a tragedy in two acts for five singers, a dance-mime role and a chamber orchestra of 14 players. The work is theatrically effective and the music, often quite dissonant, conveys an eerie, morbid atmosphere. Typical of the Italian operatic tradition, The Medium has memorable melodies such as the folk-like ‘O, black swan’. The opera had a run of 212 performances during 1947 at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre on Broadway."
"In 1951 Menotti directed a film version of The Medium, collaborating with the young conductor Thomas Schippers and with Enzo Serafin, the director of photography. It remains one of the finest examples of filmed opera."
"Many of his more commanding musical gestures, like the opening of The Medium, reflect his avowed fondness for Musorgsky." Bruce Archibald and Jennifer Barnes in Grove Music Online.