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| Libretto(s): |
50340030 |
Libretto(s): |
GS34003 |
| Vocal Score(s): |
50337910 |
Vocal Score(s): |
GS33791 |
Programme Note
1955 Pulitzer Prize in Music
Cast List: ASSUNTA: Mezzo-Soprano CARMELA: Soprano MARIA CORONA, a newspaper vendor: Soprano HER DUMB SON, about 16 years old DON MARCO, a priest: Bass ANNINA: Soprano MICHELE: Tenor DESIDERIA: Mezzo-Soprano SALVATORE: Baritone CONCETTINA, a child A YOUNG MAN AN OLD WOMAN BARTENDER FIRST GUEST SECOND GUEST A NUN A YOUNG PRIEST Neighbors, Friends, Policemen, etc.
Synopsis: Annina, the Saint of Bleecker Street, wants to take the veil before she dies, but her non-believing brother Michele tries to prevent her from taking part in religious rites. When Michele refuses to acknowledge his girlfriend Desideria, she accuses him of having an unnatural love for his sister. Michele stabs Desideria to death. Annina goes through with the religious ceremony before her brother can stop her, then dies.
Reviews
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Medcalf pulled off the crowd scenes and related the story well in a noble attempt to return Menotti to the operatic mainstream...
I loved it all, and once again found myself wondering why so much time is wasted launching new operas that miss the plot entirely when there are so many hidden gems waiting to be explored.
Francis Carlin, Opera Now, 01/03/2010
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The Saint of Bleecker Street
Catherine Malfitano, stage director
Central City Opera/France
21 July 2007; Denver, CO
…As Central City Opera’s riveting new production of [The Saint of Bleecker Street] makes clear, it’s hard to imagine a more relevant opera in a world racked by religious divisions and mindless violence.
…But operagoers who can embrace the religious aspects of this opera or set them aside will discover a powerful, deeply human story about a group of everyday people who seem extraordinarily authentic in both their weaknesses and strengths.
Catherine Malfitano, who appeared several times in the title role, including a televised production in 1978, brings all her experience and insights to bear as the production’s director, shaping an utterly gripping production with a visceral sense of realism… Significantly boosting this production are the spectacular sets…Conductor Hal France, a Central City favorite, adroitly paces the action onstage and makes the most of Menotti's lush, evocative score…
The operas of Menotti, who died earlier this year, are ripe for reappraisal and revival. This terrific production demonstrates the musical and dramatic effectiveness of one of his greatest creations — a work that deserves to be regularly performed and widely known.
Kyle MacMillan, The Denver Post, 26/07/2007
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[Menotti's] art is exquisitely constructed and powerful. THE SAINT OF BLEECKER STREET [is a] brilliantly theatrical score that takes on difficult issues unflinchingly, in melodically appealing music that is always theatrically effective. Among [the] opera's many virtues, in addition to its taut libretto and genuinely beautiful music, is the way it effortlessly creates a sense of an entire community. Characters always emerge from a definite time and place, specifically characterized in their words and music.
John Story, Fanfare
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