WGBH Radio WGBH Radio theclassicalstation.org

Menotti: The Consul / Revzen, Castle, Golden, Et Al


Release Date: 10/20/1998 
Label:  Newport Classic   Catalog #: 85645   Spars Code: DDD 
Composer:  Gian Carlo Menotti
Performer:  Michael Chioldi,  Joyce Castle,  John Cheek,  Beverly Thiele,   ... 
Conductor:  Joel Revzen
Orchestra/Ensemble:  Berkshire Opera Company
Number of Discs: 2 
Recorded in: Stereo 
Length: 2 Hours 4 Mins. 

In Stock: Usually ships in 24 hours.  
ADD CD TO CART
On sale! $36.98
CD:  $30.99
In Stock
WISH LIST




Be the first to review this title

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 Read more 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 

Customer Reviews

Be the first to review this title
Review This Title
Review This Title Share on Facebook