Immerse yourself in the gripping world of Gian Carlo Menotti's "The Consul," a powerful opera that delves into themes of desperation, hope, and the human condition. Released on February 1, 1999, under the Chandos label, this two-hour, eleven-minute masterpiece is a testament to Menotti's extraordinary compositional prowess and his ability to craft compelling narratives through music.
"The Consul" is a one-act opera that unfolds in a series of intense scenes, each revealing the struggles of individuals seeking visas to escape an unnamed totalitarian country. The opera's title role, the Consul, is a symbol of both hope and frustration for the characters, embodying the bureaucratic hurdles they must overcome. Menotti's score is rich with emotional depth, blending lyrical melodies with dissonant harmonies to create a haunting and unforgettable atmosphere.
The album features a stellar cast of vocalists, each bringing their unique talents to the complex characters they portray. From the desperate pleas of Magda Sorel to the chilling presence of the Magician, the performances are nothing short of extraordinary. The orchestration is equally impressive, with Chandos' recording capturing every nuance of the score.
Gian Carlo Menotti, an Italian-American composer, is renowned for his contributions to the world of opera. His works often explore the human condition, and "The Consul" is no exception. This opera, in particular, showcases Menotti's ability to create a gripping and emotionally resonant narrative through music.
"The Consul" is not just an opera; it's an experience. The intricate plot, combined with Menotti's evocative score, creates a world that is both captivating and unsettling. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "The Consul" is an album that will leave a lasting impression.
Tracks
The Consul, Act I Scene 1: Tu reviendras et voudras m'enfermer dans tes bras (Voice on Record, John, Magda, Mother)Gian Carlo Menotti, Richard Hickox, Spoleto Festival Orchestra, Susan Bullock, Louis Otey, Jacalyn Kreitzer
The Consul, Act I Scene 1: Quick, John! The Police! (Mother, Magda, Police Agent)Gian Carlo Menotti, Richard Hickox, Spoleto Festival Orchestra, Susan Bullock, Jacalyn Kreitzer, Charles Austin
The Consul, Act I Scene 1: Don't move yet (Magda, Mother, John)Gian Carlo Menotti, Richard Hickox, Spoleto Festival Orchestra, Susan Bullock, Louis Otey, Jacalyn Kreitzer
The Consul, Act I Scene 1: Now, O lips, say goodbye (Magda, Mother, John)Gian Carlo Menotti, Richard Hickox, Spoleto Festival Orchestra, Susan Bullock, Louis Otey, Jacalyn Kreitzer
The Consul, Act I Scene 1: InterludeGian Carlo Menotti, Richard Hickox, Spoleto Festival Orchestra
The Consul, Act I Scene 2: Next. Yes . . . What can I do for you? (Secretary, Mr Kofner)Gian Carlo Menotti, Richard Hickox, Spoleto Festival Orchestra, Victoria Livengood, Herbert Eckhoff
The Consul, Act I Scene 2: Next. Next! (Secretary, Foreign Woman, Mr Kofner)Gian Carlo Menotti, Richard Hickox, Spoleto Festival Orchestra, Victoria Livengood, Herbert Eckhoff, Susan Bullock, Giovanna Manci
The Consul, Act I Scene 2: Next. Hello. Oh! It's you! (Secretary, Magda)Gian Carlo Menotti, Richard Hickox, Spoleto Festival Orchestra, Victoria Livengood, Susan Bullock
The Consul, Act I Scene 2: I beg your pardon, Madam (Magician, Vera Boronel, Magda, Foreign Woman, Mr Kofner)Gian Carlo Menotti, Richard Hickox, Spoleto Festival Orchestra, Susan Bullock, Giovanna Manci, Herbert Eckhoff, Malin Fritz, John Horton Murray
The Consul, Act II Scene 1: Tu reviendras et voudras m'enfermer dans tes bras (Voice on Record, Magda, Mother)Gian Carlo Menotti, Richard Hickox, Spoleto Festival Orchestra, Susan Bullock, Jacalyn Kreitzer
The Consul, Act II Scene 1: I shall find for you shells and stars (Mother)Gian Carlo Menotti, Richard Hickox, Spoleto Festival Orchestra, Jacalyn Kreitzer
The Consul, Act II Scene 1: John, John, why did you bring me . . . (Magda, John, Mother)Gian Carlo Menotti, Richard Hickox, Spoleto Festival Orchestra, Jacalyn Kreitzer, Susan Bullock, Louis Otey
The Consul, Act II Scene 1: It is the signal! (Magda, Mother, Police Agent, Assan)Gian Carlo Menotti, Richard Hickox, Spoleto Festival Orchestra, Jacalyn Kreitzer, Susan Bullock, Charles Austin, Graeme Broadbent
The Consul, Act II Scene 1: Mother, why are you so still, Mother! (Magda, Mother)Gian Carlo Menotti, Richard Hickox, Spoleto Festival Orchestra, Jacalyn Kreitzer, Susan Bullock
The Consul, Act II Scene 1: InterludeGian Carlo Menotti, Richard Hickox, Spoleto Festival Orchestra
The Consul, Act II Scene 2: What did you say your name was? (Secretary, Anna Gomez, Vera Boronel, Mr Kofner)Gian Carlo Menotti, Richard Hickox, Spoleto Festival Orchestra, Victoria Livengood, Robin Blitch Wiper, Malin Fritz, Herbert Eckhoff, Susan Bullock, John Horton Murray
The Consul, Act II Scene 2: My charming Ma'moiselle (Magician, Secretary, Anna Gomez, Vera Boronel, Mr Kofner, Magda, Foreign WomaGian Carlo Menotti, Richard Hickox, Spoleto Festival Orchestra, John Horton Murray, Victoria Livengood, Robin Blitch Wiper, Malin Fritz, Herbert Eckhoff, Susan Bullock
The Consul, Act II Scene 2: Any news for me? (Magda, Secretary)Gian Carlo Menotti, Richard Hickox, Spoleto Festival Orchestra, Victoria Livengood, Susan Bullock
The Consul, Act II Scene 2: To this we've come (Magda, Vera Boronel, Mr Kofner, Secretary)Gian Carlo Menotti, Richard Hickox, Spoleto Festival Orchestra, Susan Bullock, Malin Fritz, Herbert Eckhoff, Victoria Livengood
The Consul, Act II Scene 2: You're being very unreasonable, Mrs Sorel! (Secretary, Anna Gomez, Vera Boronel, Mr Kofner)Gian Carlo Menotti, Richard Hickox, Spoleto Festival Orchestra, Victoria Livengood, Robin Blitch Wiper, Malin Fritz, Herbert Eckhoff
The Consul, Act III Scene 1: How often must I tell you, Mrs Sorel (Secretary, Vera Boronel, Assan, Magda)Gian Carlo Menotti, Richard Hickox, Spoleto Festival Orchestra, Victoria Livengood, Malin Fritz, Graeme Broadbent, Susan Bullock
The Consul, Act III Scene 1: Don't forget to sign (Secretary, Vera Boronel, Assan, Magda))Gian Carlo Menotti, Richard Hickox, Spoleto Festival Orchestra, Victoria Livengood, Malin Fritz, Graeme Broadbent, Susan Bullock
The Consul, Act III Scene 1: Oh, those faces! All those faces! (Secretary)Gian Carlo Menotti, Richard Hickox, Spoleto Festival Orchestra, Victoria Livengood
The Consul, Act III Scene 1: Who are you? How did you get in? (Secretary, John)Gian Carlo Menotti, Richard Hickox, Spoleto Festival Orchestra, Victoria Livengood, Louis Otey
The Consul, Act III Scene 1: You cannot arrest him here (Secretary, Police Agent, John)Gian Carlo Menotti, Richard Hickox, Spoleto Festival Orchestra, Victoria Livengood, Louis Otey, Charles Austin
The Consul, Act III Scene 1: Don't be afraid, Mr Sorel! (Secretary)Gian Carlo Menotti, Richard Hickox, Spoleto Festival Orchestra, Victoria Livengood
The Consul, Act III Scene 2: I never meant to do this (Magda)Gian Carlo Menotti, Richard Hickox, Spoleto Festival Orchestra, Susan Bullock
The Consul, Act III Scene 2: Lo, Death's frontiers are open (Foreign Woman, Anna Gomez, Secretary, Vera Boronel, Mother, John, MrGian Carlo Menotti, Richard Hickox, Spoleto Festival Orchestra, Susan Bullock, Robin Blitch Wiper, Victoria Livengood, Malin Fritz, Giovanna Manci, Jacalyn Kreitzer
The Consul, Act III Scene 2: No! Wait! Wait! . . . I'm coming with you (Magda, Mother, John, Magician, others)Gian Carlo Menotti, Richard Hickox, Spoleto Festival Orchestra, Susan Bullock, Jacalyn Kreitzer, Louis Otey, John Horton Murray
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