Opera Guide– Amahl and the Night Visitors

Christmas Opera by Gian Carlo Menotti—First Opera Comissioned for TV

Oct 27, 2009

Synopsis and history of Amahl and the Night Visitors, with libretto and music by Italian-American composer Gian Carlo Menotti.

Amahl and the Night Visitors is an opera in one act by the Italian-American composer Gian Carlo Menotti. The libretto, in English, was written by the composer.

Amahl and the Night Visitors premiered on December 24, 1951 via telecast; it is the first opera commissioned for television. Its first stage performance took place in New York on April 27, 1952. Its television broadcast was for many years an annual Christmas classic.

Amahl sits outside at night, staring at the sky; his mother tries to make him come inside from the cold. He tells her that he sees a giant star like a fiery chariot over their house. She berates him for lying; he is always telling her about his fanciful visions. She worries that she cannot afford to feed him anymore, and he promises to be a very good beggar. They go to bed.

The Three Kings arrive, following the star, and knock on the door. Amahl's mother sends him to answer it, and he sees three kings. Again, she berates him for lying, but eventually agrees to come open the door so she will believe him.

The Three Kings ask for shelter; she says that she has no fire, as they are poor, but they will offer what they have. The Three Kings say they cannot stay long, because they must follow the star ("What did I tell you?" says Amahl to his mother).

Amahl speaks with the Three Kings about his life. He used to have a flock of sheep, he explains, but they had to be sold, and their last goat died recently. He declares excitedly that they must go begging. He interrogates the Three Kings about the goods they carry with them. They are laconic at first, but warm up to Amahl. Kaspar offers him licorice.

Amahl's mother returns. The Three Kings explain that they have brought gifts for a child; as they describe the child, Amahl's mother expresses her love for her child. Shepherds arrive and offer gifts to the Three Kings. They depart, and the Three Kings fall asleep.

Observing their gold, Amahl's mother thinks about how wealthy people don't realize how many of the poor their riches could feed. She attempts to steal the gold, and the Page shouts at her, waking Amahl and the Three Kings. Melchior tells Amahl's mother to keep the gold; the child they seek will create a kingdom greater than gold.

A miracle occurs: Amahl walks. The Three Kings praise the Holy Child for healing him. Amahl begs his mother to let him go with the Three Kings; she agrees, and they say their farewells.

Other Operas by Gian Carlo Menotti

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