Gian Carlo Menotti - The Consul (2 LP)

Gian Carlo Menotti's opera, The Consul, is a masterpiece of melodrama, exploring the dehumanising effects of bureaucracy with unflinching intensity. This powerful work, which premiered in 1950, tells the story of Magda Sorel, whose husband John is a freedom fighter waiting for her to join him in a free country. As Magda navigates the red tape of the consul's office, her frustration and desperation grow, culminating in a dramatic confrontation.

The Consul is an opera in three acts, with music and libretto by Gian Carlo Menotti, and it showcases his unique ability to craft compelling characters and storylines. The opera's themes of oppression, resistance, and the human cost of bureaucratic inertia are just as relevant today as they were when the work was first performed.

This recording, released on 9 November 2009 by Heristal Entertainment, features a talented cast and orchestra, bringing Menotti's vision to life with clarity and passion. The album's duration of 1 hour and 31 minutes is filled with dramatic moments, from the opening scene, "The Home, Early Morning", to the final confrontation, "The Home, That Night". With its rich sound and outstanding performances, this recording of The Consul is a must-listen for fans of opera and those interested in exploring the works of Gian Carlo Menotti.

This 2LP set was released in 1950.