Composer

:

Gian Carlo Menotti

Genre

:

Opera

Style

:

Opera

Compose Date

:

1950

Average_duration

:

118:44

Movement_count

:

26

Movement ....

"The Consul" is an opera composed by Gian Carlo Menotti in 1950. The plot revolves around the story of a woman named Magda Sorel, who is desperately trying to obtain a visa to leave an unnamed totalitarian country with her family. The opera is set in the 1950s and is a commentary on the political climate of the time. The opera premiered on March 1, 1950, at the Shubert Theatre in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. It was an immediate success and went on to win the Pulitzer Prize for Music in 1950. The opera was also performed on Broadway and in London's West End. "The Consul" is divided into three acts and is scored for a large orchestra. The music is characterized by Menotti's use of dissonance and his incorporation of popular music styles, such as jazz and tango. The opera also features a number of arias and duets, including Magda's famous aria "To this we've come." The first act of the opera introduces the audience to Magda and her family as they struggle to obtain a visa to leave the country. The second act takes place in the consulate office, where Magda is forced to wait for hours to speak with the consul. The third act sees Magda's husband, John, attempting to bribe the consul to grant them a visa, while Magda's mother dies from a heart attack. "The Consul" is a powerful commentary on the struggles of those living under totalitarian regimes. Menotti's use of music and drama effectively conveys the desperation and hopelessness felt by those trapped in such situations. The opera remains a relevant and poignant work of art to this day.

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