Robin Hood (comic opera)

Robin Hood is a comic opera by Reginald De Koven (music), Harry B. Smith (lyrics) and Clement Scott (lyrics of "Oh Promise Me"). The story is based on the Robin Hood legend, during the reign of King Richard I (1189-1199 AD). The opera was composed in Chicago, Illinois during the winter of 1888-1889.

The opera was first performed at the Chicago Opera House on 9 June 1890. It was produced by the Boston Ideal Opera Company, also known as the Bostonians. The opera opened in New York at the Standard Theatre on September 22, 1891 and was produced in London at the Prince of Wales Theatre in 1891 with a new title, Maid Marian. It was revived at the Knickerbocker Theater on Broadway on April 30, 1900. Other Broadway revivals were in 1902 at the Academy of Music, in 1912 at New Amsterdam Theatre, in 1918 at the Park Theatre, in 1929 at the Casino Theatre and Jolson's 59th Street Theatre, in 1932 at Erlanger's Theatre, and in 1944 at the Adelphi Theatre.

In 2004 Ohio Light Opera produced the opera based on a new critical edition of the opera that it commissioned from Quade Winter, based on the composer's original manuscripts in the Library of Congress. A complete CD recording was issued by Albany Records.

All three acts consist of alternating recitative and melodic singing.

In the market square in Nottingham, England, villagers are singing and dancing about the first day of May ("Mayday") and "Tis the Morning of the Fair". Friar Tuck, an overweight comic character, sings "As an Honest Auctioneer" about selling goods including a suit of clothes. The milkmaids sing the "Milkmaid's Song" about how wonderful their life is, followed by Allan-a-Dale who sings about real milkmaids being overworked. Robin Hood and his archers arrive and the chorus sings "Come the Bowmen in Lincoln Green" (the color of their costumes) about their ideal life in the woods and are welcomed to an archery contest. Allan-a-Dale gets into an argument (in song) with Robin about love and kissing. Friar Tuck joins the argument, and one of the milkmaids, Maid Marian, sings "I Came As a Cavalier". Robin Hood and Maid Marian sing a duet "Though It Was Within This Hour We Met".

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Wikipedia