Amahl and the Night Visitors
Amahl and the Night Visitors (English Amahl and the Night Visitors ) is an opera in one act by Gian- Carlo Menotti. The libretto in English written by the composer himself ( German translation: Kurt Honolka ). The work was premiered on December 24, 1951 in New York in the NBC studios and was broadcast live on television. Menotti opera written specifically for American television.
The opera is considered V.A. in America as a classic, not least because of its unique character of a Christmas fairy-tale opera. This makes it very popular with children and became the most-performed U.S. American opera of the twentieth century.
People
- Amahl - Soprano
- Mother - Soprano
- Kaspar - Tenor
- Melchior - Baritone
- Balthazar - Bass
- Page - Baritone
- Shepherds and shepherdesses - Choir
Action
The opera takes place around the time of the birth of Christ in Judea. Amahl is handicapped - one of his legs is paralyzed, so he can move only with a crutch, which he himself has made. Amahl has a vivid imagination and sometimes tells tall tales. It is evening. Amahl sitting in front of his house and plays the flute. His mother, a poor widow, calls him so he comes into the house. The boy does not follow immediately, so that the mother goes in and picks him self. When asked what the matter was outside at night yet so exciting, Amahl tells of a big star with a tail. The mother - used his stories - does not believe him and is worried about the future ( duet and aria of Amahl ). Finally, mother and son go to bed.
It follows the appearance of the Magi ( Caspar, Melchior, Balthasar ). You are with her page on the way to Bethlehem. They come by the house of the widow and knock on. Amahl is asked by his mother to go to the door. When he tried to explain to her that there are three kings, the mother does not believe him and gets angry. When she finally even goes to the door, she avoids first back startled, and then ask in the Three Kings. This hope for a shelter for the night. While the mother goes into the forest to search for twigs to Amahl has with the Kings ( aria of Kaspar ). When she comes back, she sends Amahl to search for other shepherds for them to bring something to eat and they can receive the kings worthy. In the meantime, she admires the gifts that want to bring the Kings to the Christ child (Quartet mother and kings ). There are the shepherds shall state their gifts and dancing for the Kings. Then they leave, and in the shepherd's cottage, all preparing for the night's rest.
While kings sleep, no peace ( the mother gold aria ) and they actually tried to steal a piece of gold for herself and her child all the gold of the mother. When she is caught stealing from the pages, and there is great turmoil. King Melchior appease the situation and says the mother, she may keep the gold ( aria of Melchior ). This, however, touched by the story of Baby Jesus, do not want the gold. As Amahl offers to give his crutch to the unknown child. When he gave it to the kings, a miracle happens: Amahl can walk normally. The overjoyed mother can then accompany the kings to the manger of her son.