The Consul

  • John Sorel (baritone )
  • Magda Sorel (soprano )
  • The mother (Alt )
  • An agent of the secret police ( bass)
  • Two detectives ( silent roles )
  • The secretary (mezzo- soprano)
  • Mr. Kofner ( bass)
  • An Italian (soprano )
  • Anna Gomez ( soprano)
  • Vera Boronel (Alt )
  • Nika Magadoff, a magician (Tenor)
  • The voice on the record (soprano )

The Consul ( engl. The Consul ) is an opera in three acts (6 pictures) by Gian - Carlo Menotti, who wrote as for most of his works to opera 's libretto itself. The successful premiere was held in Philadelphia on March 15, 1950. That same year, Menotti was awarded the Pulitzer Prize for this in the category Music.

Action

Act I

Photo 1: In Sorel's apartment, early morning

On the run from the police, the freedom fighter John Sorel rescues wounded in his apartment. His wife Magda and his mother, he tells of the danger in which it floats. When the police come into his house, John can hide on the roof and thus remains undetected. After the police withdrew, said John that he would go into hiding abroad. He commissioned Magda that she should give the necessary visa for exit before for herself and the child in the consulate. He will follow later. John says goodbye to wife and mother and leaves the apartment ( Trio: " Now, O lips, say good - bye ," "Lips says farewell ").

Picture 2: The Consulate, later on the same day

The Consulate of different people waiting for their visas. Here reigns the secretary of their duties: they checked papers, distributed questionnaires, rejects visa applications and lets all wait ruthless. Among the applicants are a gentleman Kofner whose papers are not in order and again an Italian woman whose story needs to be translated from their sick daughter from the Italian. Magda enters the consulate and ask the clerk to be admitted to the consul. She introduces herself as the wife of freedom fighter Sorel; there is nothing - it gives her an appointment, instead only forms you must complete first. The bureaucracy takes its course. Resigned, she sits down with the other people waiting ( Quintet: "In endless waiting rooms the hour stands still " " When endlessly long wait is the time ").

Second Act

Photo 1: In Sorel's apartment, in the evening, a month later

Four weeks later, Magda is still in the apartment, as it has so far not get an appointment with the consul. Your child is dying. Terrible dreams tormenting John and the secretary her appear as threatening visions. Screaming Magda awakens and is comforted by his mother. Suddenly a stone flies through the window, what is the expected sign, call the liaison Assan. The secret agent of the police appears and wants Magda move to the betrayal of John and his accomplices. It has also angrily. Assan appears and says that John is still hiding in the mountains on the border. He 'll only go abroad as soon as he was sure that Magda had the visa. Magda conjures Assan, John lie to that their papers were in order. Only in this way, she knows she can save her husband. Meanwhile, the mother discovered that the child died. Both women do not complain about the dead child, but to John, who will never see it again.

Picture 2: The Consulate, a few days later

In the waiting room to sit again the same applicant. The Secretary has found the application of Anna Gomez, informs this, that the case was not unique and they did not know what she could do for Mrs. Gomez. Magda enters and asks the others to be admitted. While the magician Magadoff reluctantly agrees, the Secretary denies it but as " against the principle ." In an attempt to identify himself through his art the magician shows all kinds of tricks and moves all in a trance ( scene: "My charming Ma'moiselle " " Charming Mademoiselle "). The secretary, however, vehemently complained about the disturbance of the office workflow. Magda begs the secretary, to be finally admitted to the consul. It will put off again, which has a flaming indictment Magda against bureaucracy result ( Magda's aria: "To this we've come" " We're ready "). The secretary explained Magda now but to be admitted to the consul, when an important visitor was gone. As the door opens to the room of the consul, the secret agent comes out. Magda faints.

Act Three

Photo 1: In the consulate in the late afternoon a few days later

Again Magda waiting at the consulate and experienced how Vera Boronel finally receives their documents. Assan enters the consulate to tell Magda that John will, despite the adverse circumstances in which he finds himself coming back. Magda rushes home. A few minutes before the office closes John comes into the consulate. The police followed him and penetrates into the consulate. Despite the protest of the Secretary against the arrest on extraterritorial ground, John is exhausted. The secretary John promises to notify Magda phone.

Picture 2: In Sorel's apartment, on the same evening

The phone is ringing and silent, as Magda comes home. She is determined at the end and to suicide. Frustrated, she opens all the gas taps ( scene: " I've never meant to do this " "On the hätt'ich never thought "). In a vision of the dying appear the mother, John, the Secretary and all other persons from the consulate. When the phone rings again, Magda awakens. But it has not the strength to lift off, the phone continues to ring.

Discography

Louis Otey (John), Susan Bullock ( Magda ), Jacalyn Kreitzer (mother), Victoria Livengood ( Secretary ), John Horton Murray ( Magadoff ), and others; Spoleto Festival Orchestra, Richard Hickox (Dir. ). Chandos 9706 (2).

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