Idiots First
Marc Blitzstein
About this work:
one-act opera in 13 scenes on story of the same name by Bernard Malamud, begun by Marc Blitzstein 1963, completed by Leonard Lehrman 1973 (orchestration 1991); a Jewish Everyman story of the dying Mendel endeavoring to save his retarded son Itzak from Ginzberg, the Angel of Death; called "Marc's best work" by Ned Rorem; winner, first Off-Broadway Opera Award for "most important event of the season"
Excerpt: "Under the Sky" (from Sc.7) recorded on Original Cast Records OC 4441 A Marc Blitzstein Songbook by James Sergi, baritone and Leonard Lehrman, piano 1'34"
Version: with piano accompaniment
Year composed: 1973
Duration: 00:55:00
Ensemble type: Opera/Theater:One-Act Operas
Instrumentation: 1 Percussion (General), 2 Piano, 1 Soprano, 1 Mezzo-Soprano, 3 Tenor, 2 Baritone, 1 Bass-Baritone, 1 Bass
Instrumentation notes: performable with orchestra or with 2 pianos and chimes; excerpts performable with just one piano