OPERA SEARCH
The Robbers
(1956)Libretto by the composer after Chaucer's 'The Pardoner's Tale' (E)
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Abbreviations (PDF)
Boosey & Hawkes
Kaufman Auditorium, 92nd Street YMHA, New York, New York
Conductor: Carl Bamberger
Company: Mannes College Opera Workshop
| THE LEADER, 1 of 3 thieves | Bass Baritone |
| THE LEADER'S COMPANION, 2 of 3 thieves | Tenor |
| A YOUNG NOVICE, 3 of 3 thieves | Lyric Baritone |
Early evening in the 14th Century, the sordid second storey room of an inn
The opera is drawn from Chaucer's Pardoner's Tale. Three thieves have just murdered a stranger for his gold. The corpse lies out in the open. The Young Novice repents, but the Leader and his Companion threaten him. The Young Novice remains apart from them while they divide the gold – into two piles! When he brings them some wine to drink, they stab him. But the Young Novice had plans of his own: the wine was poisoned, and the murderers themselves were murdered.
Dramatic, Tragic