Menotti: The Consul

Dive into the gripping world of Gian Carlo Menotti's "The Consul," a powerful opera that delves into the chilling effects of bureaucracy on the human spirit. Originally premiered in 1950, this 1999 recording captures the essence of Menotti's Pulitzer Prize-winning work, offering a stark and unyielding narrative that echoes the existential dread of Kafka's "The Trial."

This two-hour, eleven-minute opera is a masterclass in melodrama, with a score that is as haunting as it is beautiful. The album features a stellar cast, including Susan Bullock and Cornell MacNeill, who bring depth and nuance to their roles. The Spoleto Festival Orchestra, conducted by Richard Hickox, provides a rich and immersive musical backdrop, ensuring that every note resonates with the intensity of the story.

"The Consul" is divided into three acts, each filled with tension and drama. The opera follows Magda Sorel, a woman desperate to obtain a visa to escape her oppressive homeland, and her encounters with the cold, indifferent bureaucracy that stands in her way. The album's 29 tracks meticulously detail this harrowing journey, from the initial pleading to the final, heart-wrenching resolution.

Recorded in 1999 and released under the Chandos label, this album is a testament to Menotti's enduring genius. The opera's themes of despair, hope, and the dehumanizing effects of bureaucracy are as relevant today as they were at the time of its premiere. Whether you are a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "The Consul" offers a compelling and unforgettable listening experience.