Gian Carlo Menotti!
There are quite a few composers who have become famous for mostly one work. Examples are:
Ferde Grofe, for his Grand Canyon Suite
Georges Bizet, for the Opera, Carmen
Menotti for his Opera, Amahl and the Night Visitors.
Yet it is certain that each of these composers have written other compositions that the public ought to know! In the case of Bizet, it’s his Symphony in C-Major, which is rarely performed, yet a charming piece of music.
In the case of Menotti, this CD gives us an opportunity to learn something about his chamber music. We can hear the following:
Trio for violin, Clarinet and Piano in 3 movements
Five songs for Soprano and piano
Canti Della Lontananza, in 7 movements
The Trio is performed by Marianne Thorsen, Max Martin, and Julian Milford. It is a delightful composition, very melodic and thoroughly enjoyable! Christine Brewer and Roger Vignoles do a lovely job in their collaboration on the 5 songs. The so-called “Canti” are also songs (The Italian “cantare” means singing…). I was at a disadvantage here, because I did not understand the Italian text…
All in all, this is one very interesting recording, which sheds additional light on Gian Carlo Menotti’s creative abilities.
Here is a section of the 3rd movement of Menotti’s Clarinet Trio: