One of Menotti's most enduring operas, The Consul had its premiere on Broadway, not in an opera house. The overtly melodramatic situation brings out the best in Menotti, and the work is a direct descendant of the verismo operas of Mascagni and Cilea. This recording includes the extension to the first interlude which Menotti added later and is not found in the published score. Based on the farewell trio, it allows Menotti to reprise one of the best tunes in the opera. This performance was recorded live in 1998 at the Spoleto ...
Read More
One of Menotti's most enduring operas, The Consul had its premiere on Broadway, not in an opera house. The overtly melodramatic situation brings out the best in Menotti, and the work is a direct descendant of the verismo operas of Mascagni and Cilea. This recording includes the extension to the first interlude which Menotti added later and is not found in the published score. Based on the farewell trio, it allows Menotti to reprise one of the best tunes in the opera. This performance was recorded live in 1998 at the Spoleto Festival in Italy. We hear the footsteps as the cast moves about on stage, as well as other stage noises, bringing a true sense of the theater to the recording. Susan Bullock's interpretation of Magda is very dramatic, yet never loses vocal quality. Only Patricia Neway on the LP recording of the original cast provides a deeper look into this tormented woman's character. Victoria Livengood is excellent as the taciturn Secretary. Louis Otey has a supple baritone voice but does not...
Read Less
