Gian Carlo Menotti
Gian Carlo Menotti
Gian Carlo Menottiwas an Italian-American composer and librettist. Although he often referred to himself as an American composer, he kept his Italian citizenship. He wrote the classic Christmas opera Amahl and the Night Visitors, along with over two dozen other operas intended to appeal to popular taste...
NationalityItalian
ProfessionComposer
Date of Birth7 July 1911
CountryItaly
became doctors madonna miraculous nanny pictures priest pulled took
As a little boy of 3 or 4, I became lame. Something was wrong with my right leg. There are pictures of me being pulled around in a little wagon. The doctors didn't know what to do. So my nanny took me to the miraculous Madonna at Sacro Monte in Varese, the priest blessed me, and I walked.
people whether
People ask me whether I'm religious. Well, in a certain way, I am.
command contention fit given itself lots opera rehearsals singers wider
It was my contention that opera can not only pay for itself if it is well given, but it can also command a much wider audience if given like a play with lots of rehearsals and wonderful singers that fit the role.
bobby composer love takes white
It takes a Bobby White to make a tired 90-year-old composer write a song about love.
five hated
It's always what you did before. The year before is always so much better. Even when the critics hated what you did then, it always looks better five years later.
felt fifties suffered
The creation of Spoleto was a social experiment. Because I've always suffered guilt from being a Catholic, when I was in my fifties I felt a need of being needed.
liver loathe
I loathe my body. The liver spots, the sagging flesh.
art felt god music
I have always felt that art, especially music, is but a demonstration of God.
content life memories music simplify
I have a heart problem, so I have to simplify my life and be content with memories and friends and music.
becoming christian guess risk running
I guess I am running the risk of becoming the Hans Christian Andersen of opera.
score
I can sit on a chair with a score and give myself a wonderful performance.
gives god melody
God gives you the gift of melody or He doesn't - it's as simple as that.
melodies
Writing beautiful melodies is not fashionable because it is very difficult to do.
beauty chord divinity incredible music opening schubert
A Schubert song, the A-major chord at the opening of Wagner's 'Lohengrin' - such incredible beauty is a mystery, the divinity of music.