The Consul Musical Drama in Three Acts Words and Music by Gian-Carlo Menotti. [Piano-vocal score]
- New York, London: G. Schirmer [PN 42369], 1950
New York, London: G. Schirmer [PN 42369], 1950. Folio. Original publisher's black illustrated wrappers printed in red and white. [i] (title), [i] (copyright), [i] (notes on first performance), [i] (characters and acts), 291, [i] (blank) pp.
Wrappers slightly worn, creased, and stained. "Menotti’s versatile dramatic skills, as director, librettist and composer, brought him a contract from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer to write film scripts. Although his scripts were never filmed, one contained the seeds of his first full-length opera, The Consul, considered by many to be his greatest work. In keeping with Menotti’s preference for contemporary subjects, the opera tells the story of a family trying to obtain a visa to leave a police state. Music and stage techniques combine to communicate strongly and directly."
"The New York première at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre on 15 March 1950 was a great success and performances continued there for about eight months. The work received the Pulitzer Prize and the Drama Critics' Circle Award. It has been translated into 12 languages and has been performed in over 20 countries. With The Consul and his next two operas, Menotti seemed at the height of his powers and of public acclaim."
"[Menotti] was sensitive to new musical techniques that would serve his dramatic purpose... [such as] a high, sustained dissonant chord in The Consul as Magda turns on the gas stove to commit suicide..." Bruce Archibald and Jennifer Barnes in Grove Music Online.
Wrappers slightly worn, creased, and stained. "Menotti’s versatile dramatic skills, as director, librettist and composer, brought him a contract from Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer to write film scripts. Although his scripts were never filmed, one contained the seeds of his first full-length opera, The Consul, considered by many to be his greatest work. In keeping with Menotti’s preference for contemporary subjects, the opera tells the story of a family trying to obtain a visa to leave a police state. Music and stage techniques combine to communicate strongly and directly."
"The New York première at the Ethel Barrymore Theatre on 15 March 1950 was a great success and performances continued there for about eight months. The work received the Pulitzer Prize and the Drama Critics' Circle Award. It has been translated into 12 languages and has been performed in over 20 countries. With The Consul and his next two operas, Menotti seemed at the height of his powers and of public acclaim."
"[Menotti] was sensitive to new musical techniques that would serve his dramatic purpose... [such as] a high, sustained dissonant chord in The Consul as Magda turns on the gas stove to commit suicide..." Bruce Archibald and Jennifer Barnes in Grove Music Online.