The Crucible (Libretto)

Available Editions:
Piano/Vocal Score, 7.0028
Libretto, 7.0147
Full score and parts available for rental. Click here for more information.

Libretto:
Written by Bernard Stambler, based on the play by Arthur Miller, German Translation by Thomas Martin

Synopsis:
The story is Arthur MillerGÇÖs impassioned parable of witchcraft and intrigue in colonial Salem; a story of good and evil, in which bigoted men and women used the cry of GÇ£witchGÇ¥ to destroy those they hated or envied. The town of Salem has been seized by a wave of hysteria. The slave, Tituba, is accused by the wily and pretty Abigail, who uses the situation to destroy the community. When the witch trial begins under the administration of the terrifying zealot, Judge Danforth, Abigail accuses Elizabeth, the wife of John Proctor, of witchcraft. Abigail hopes thereby to get Elizabeth out of the way and regain JohnGÇÖs affection. John remains loyal to his wife, however, even admitting in court to his adultery with Abigail in order to expose her fraud. He is not believed, however, and is himself arrested and, along with Tituba and other innocents, condemned to the gallows. In a blaze of courage at the operaGÇÖs end, John refuses to sign the false confession that would free him. Duration: ~2 hours

Premier:
October 26, 1961, New York City Opera

Awards:
Winner, Pulitzer Prize - Music, 1962
Winner, New York Critics Circle Citation, 1962

Notable Performances:
The New York City Opera
San Francisco Opera
Belgrade National Opera
Peabody Conservatory, Baltimore
Chamber Opera Chicago
Boston Opera Collaborative
Cincinnati Conservatory of Music
Juilliard School
Eastman School
New England Conservatory
University of Michigan
Manhattan School of Music
Aspen Music Festival

Available recording:
New York City Opera, Emerson Buckley, conductor
Albany Records, # TROY025-26