Martin's Lie

Martin's Lie is a chamber opera in one act with music and an English language libretto by Gian Carlo Menotti. Commissioned by CBS, it was Menotti's third opera for television after Amahl and the Night Visitors and Labyrinth. Although not initially conceived as a work for the stage, the opera premiered in a live theatrical performance on 3 June 1964 at the Bristol Cathedral for the opening of the 17th annual Bath International Music Festival.[1] The opera was subsequently filmed with the same cast for television under the direction of Kirk Browning. The production used sets and costumes by designer Anthony Powell, and was broadcast nationally by CBS for the opera's United States premiere on 30 May 1965.[2]

Roles

Role Voice type Premiere Cast, 3 June 1964
(Conductor: Lawrence Leonard)
Martin boy soprano Michael Wennink
Stranger baritone Donald McIntyre
Naninge, a nurse mezzo-soprano Noreen Berry
Father Cornelius tenor William McAlpine
Sheriff bass Otakar Kraus
Christopher boy soprano Keith Collins
Timothy boy soprano Roger Nicholas
Executioner silent role Hugh Smith Marriott
Soldiers silent roles
Orphans (children's chorus)

References

  1. ↑ Gene Baro (June 5, 1964). "Opera By Menotti Bows In England: Premiere of 'Martin's Lie' Sung in Bristol Cathedral". The New York Times.
  2. ↑ Howard Klein (May 31, 1965). "TV: New Menotti Opera; 'Martin's Lie' Given Belated U.S. Premiere by C.B.S. -- Meant for Church Groups". The New York Times.