Gian-Carlo Menotti (1911-2007) was an Italian-American composer and librettist, renowned for his significant contributions to opera and classical music. His genre primarily encompassed opera, with a distinctive blend of lyrical melodies and dramatic narratives that often drew on themes of love and existential dilemmas. Menotti's notable works include "Amahl and the Night Visitors" (1951), which is one of the first operas written specifically for television, and "The Consul" (1950), which won the Pulitzer Prize for Music. Other acclaimed operas include "The Medium" (1946) and "The Telephone" (1947). His ability to integrate contemporary social issues within traditional operatic forms helped to popularize the genre. Menotti's impact on music extended beyond composition; he was instrumental in establishing the Festival of Two Worlds in Spoleto, Italy, which showcased international talent and fostered cultural exchange. His works remain significant in the operatic repertoire, celebrated for their emotional depth and accessibility, thereby influencing generations of composers and expanding the audience for American opera.