Notes and Editorial Reviews
Gian Carlo Menotti has been an extremely prolific composer of opera. His gift for emotional directness and the use of "real" characters in his operas has made them appealing to wider audiences. 'The Consul,' written in 1950, was one in a string of successes for Menotti, including 'Amelia Goes to the Ball,' 'The Old Maid And The Thief,' and of course, 'Amahl And The Night Visitors.' Menotti himself wrote the libretto for 'The Consul,' a politically tinged, romantic story inspired by a newspaper article about a Polish immigrant who committed suicide because she was denied admission to Ellis Island.
Menotti's textured orchestration is beautifully illuminated in the musical interludes, and the outstanding performances of Beverly O'Regan
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Thiele, Michael Chioldi, and the always-excellent John Cheek (along with a strong ensemble cast) are finely supported by conductor Joel Revzen and the Camerata New York Orchestra. Take note of the musically soaring Act II, Scene II, where Magda goes to the Consul's office upset and anguished, begging to speak with the Consul, but is put off by The Secretary. This chain of events drives the rest of the opera, leading to its sorrowful conclusion. Read less
Works on This Recording
1.
The Consul by Gian Carlo Menotti
Performer:
Michael Chioldi (Baritone),
Joyce Castle (Alto),
John Cheek (Bass),
Beverly Thiele (Soprano),
Emily Golden (Mezzo Soprano),
John Davies (),
Nathalie Morais (),
Arianna Zukerman (),
Elisabeth Canis (Alto),
David Cangelosi (Tenor),
James Demler (Baritone)
Conductor:
Joel Revzen
Orchestra/Ensemble:
Berkshire Opera Company
Period: 20th Century
Written: 1949; USA
Date of Recording: 07/1998
Venue: National Music Center, Lenox, MA
Length: 123 Minutes 56 Secs.
Language: English
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