Barry White Music:

Gian-Carlo Menotti: The Boy Who Grew Too Fast Reviews:
This Opera Should Be Performed More!
2009-05-01 - This is a great little opera for young audiences, but it also works well with general audiences if contrasted with more serious works. Menotti has a gift for accessible dialogue and characters that make the operatic experience enjoyable for everyone--even people who hate opera!

The Boy Who Grew Too Fast starts on the first day of school, with the arrival of a new student, Poponel, who is much taller than the rest of his class. Subject to constant teasing, Poponel appeals to his teacher, Miss Hope, for help. She refers him to Dr. Schrinck, who turns out to be in the audience. He shrinks Poponel down with one caution: He must conform or he will grow back to his old size. When a terrorist breaks into the classroom and tries to take everyone hostage, he changes his mind and decides to keep only one child. All the other children refuse, but Poponel agrees--he has not conformed! He sneaks into a broom closet, reemerges at full size and takes out the terrorist. In the end Poponel is the hero and everyone realizes that it is best to value our own particular gifts and not make fun of others'.

Harmonically, the music is modern but very accessible. All things considered, this recording is a wonderful experience. If I have any reservations, it's that the actual recording quality isn't the greatest, but it doesn't take away from the message. Enjoy.

Stupendous singing from Aussie tenor
2003-01-19 - Sympathetic vocal assurance from Aussie tenor Graham Godfrey ensures the listener a pleasant evening of listening pleasure. Nowhere in Prague are we having such wonderful tenors these days. Would welcome this tenor to our opera houses.

Great story-opera for children
1998-10-03 - A nice little opera written for children, but with plenty of humor for adults too. Occasionally the text is hard to understand, but this is generally a good recording.