Composer

:

Gian Carlo Menotti

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera: Comic

Compose Date

:

1946

First Performance

:

Feb 18, 1947

Average_duration

:

22:32

Gian Carlo Menotti's one-act opera, 'The Telephone,' was composed in 1946 and premiered on February 1, 1947, at the Heckscher Theater in New York City. The opera is a comedy that tells the story of a young man named Ben who is trying to propose to his girlfriend Lucy before he leaves on a trip. However, Lucy is constantly on the phone, and Ben struggles to get her attention. The opera is divided into two movements, with the first movement taking place in Lucy's apartment and the second movement taking place in a phone booth. The music is characterized by Menotti's use of catchy melodies and witty lyrics, which help to convey the humor of the story. The first movement begins with Lucy on the phone, talking to various friends and family members. Ben arrives and tries to get her attention, but she is too preoccupied with her conversations. He eventually resorts to singing a love song to her, but she still doesn't notice him. Frustrated, Ben leaves the apartment. In the second movement, Ben goes to a phone booth to try to call Lucy again. However, he is interrupted by various people who also need to use the phone. He eventually gets through to Lucy, but she is still too distracted to listen to him. In the end, Ben gives up and leaves, and Lucy is left alone with her phone. 'The Telephone' is a lighthearted and entertaining opera that showcases Menotti's talent for composing catchy melodies and clever lyrics. It has become a popular work in the operatic repertoire and is often performed in recitals and small-scale productions.

More....