The Dybbuk is an opera in three acts by composer David Tamkin. The work uses an English libretto by Alex Tamkin, the composer's brother, which is based on S. Ansky’s Yiddish play of the same name. Composed in 1933, the work was not premiered until October 4, 1951 when it was mounted by the New York City Opera through the efforts of Laszlo Halasz. Prior to the premiere, excerpts from the work had been given in concert, both in Portland, Oregon (where Alex Tamkin lived) and in New York City. The opera was originally supposed to premiere at the New York City Opera in 1950 but was postponed for financial reasons. (First sentences only, full text is paywalled) The opera was also performed at the Jewish Community Center in Seattle in 1963.Seattle Post Intelligencer, Jan 8, 1963, page 7
Roles RoleVoice typePremiere Cast, October 4, 1951 (Conductor: – Joseph Rosenstock) Channon tenor Robert Rounseville Leah soprano Patricia Neway The Messenger baritone Lawrence Winters Rabbi Azrael baritone Mack Harrell Meyer bass-baritone Emile Renan SenderbassCarlton Gauld Chennoch baritone Arthur Newman Frade mezzo-soprano Frances Bible Elderly Woman contralto Eunice Alberts Gittel soprano Shirley Russell Bassia mezzo-soprano Edith Evans 1st Batlon tenor Nathaniel Sprinzena 2nd Batlon bass Richard Wentworth 3rd Batlon tenor Michael Pollock Menashe tenor Armond Harkless Rabbi Mendel tenor Luigi Vellucci
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