The Dybbuk is an opera in three acts by composer David Tamkin. The work uses an English libretto by Alex Tamkin, the composer's brother, which is based on S. Ansky’s Yiddish play of the same name. Composed in 1933, the work was not premiered until October 4, 1951 when it was mounted by the New York City Opera through the efforts of Laszlo Halasz. Prior to the premiere, excerpts from the work had been given in concert; both in Portland, Oregon, where Alex Tamkin lived, and in New York City. The opera was originally supposed to premiere at the New York City Opera in 1950 but was postponed due to financial reasons.[1]
| Role | Voice type | Premiere Cast[2], October 4, 1951 (Conductor: – Joseph Rosenstock) |
|---|---|---|
| Channon | tenor | Robert Rounseville |
| Leah | soprano | Patricia Neway |
| The Messenger | baritone | Lawrence Winters |
| Rabbi Azrael | baritone | Mack Harrell |
| Meyer | bass-baritone | Emile Renan |
| Sender | bass | Carlton Gauld |
| Chennoch | baritone | Arthur Newman |
| Frade | mezzo-soprano | Frances Bible |
| Elderly Woman | contralto | Eunice Alberts |
| Gittel | soprano | Shirley Russell |
| Bassia | mezzo-soprano | Edith Evans |
| 1st Batlon | tenor | Nathaniel Sprinzena |
| 2nd Batlon | bass | Richard Wentworth |
| 3rd Batlon | tenor | Michael Pollock |
| Menashe | tenor | Armond Harkless |
| Rabbi Mendel | tenor | Luigi Vellucci |