Mr. Converse wrote his own libretto. The lyrics are by John Macy. The story takes place in southern California in 1846. Americans are guarding the Anaya mansion, and the American officer, Burton, a baritone, is in love with Chonita, the beauty of the household. Chonita has an old Indian servant, Tomasa, who hates the Americans, yet seems to realize that they will conquer. Chonita, praying in the Mission Church desecrated by the invaders, is told by Burton that he has killed a Mexican. Her questions reveal that Bernal is the dead man. But Bernal is wounded, not dead, and he comes into the church. Burton again assures Chonita of his love and promises to do for her all that a man can do. "You wretched devil, 'tis I she loves," cries Bernal, and he rushes at Burton with a dagger. Chonita throws herself between the two, and is accidentally wounded by the American's sword. Bernal is held a prisoner.
In the third act, Chonita is in bed apparently dying. If she could only have her lover she would live, she sings; despair is killing her. Padre Gabriel brings her consolation, and sets a trap for the Americans. Burton brings Bernal that he may sing a love duet with Chonita. She pleads for Bernal's freedom. "He is not a spy." Burton stands between love and duty. To give Chonita happiness he is willing to die. The Americans are suddenly attacked and Burton, throwing down his sword, is killed by Mexican rescuers. Tomasa looks at Burton's corpse and sums up the whole tragedy: "'Tis true as ever. Love brings life and death."
THE PIPE OF DESIRE
Opera in one act by Frederick Shepherd Converse. Poem by George Edwards Barton.
The scene takes place in a wood during the first day of spring. Elves flit to and fro performing sundry occupations. One scatters seeds to the winds. Others remove dead leaves from flowers. They sing of the awakening of Nature from her sleep through the winter. Iolan, a peasant, is heard singing in the distance. The elves although reproached by the Old One desire to show themselves to him. Iolan tells them that he is to wed Naoia tomorrow, and bids them come to the wedding. The Old One reminds them that it is forbidden to show themselves to man, and adds that no good can come of it. Iolan laughs at the Old One and his Pipe. The Old One plays for the elves to dance, but with misgivings. Iolan still defies the power of the Pipe. The elves demand that the Old One make him dance and respect its power. When he cannot resist the music, he snatches the Pipe and breaks the cord which holds it. The Old One tells him that it is the Pipe God gave to Lilith, who played it to Adam in Eden, and that the mortal who now plays the Pipe without understanding its secret will die when it becomes known to him. Iolan, however, puts the Pipe to his lips. At first only discordant sound, later beautiful music is his reward. Iolan sees a vision of what he most desires. He is rich. He owns horses, goats, and wine. Naoia, his wife, comes to him through roses. His children play about the door of their home. He calls on Naoia to come to him. She comes to him, bleeding. Because he played the Pipe misfortune has come to her. She dies and Iolan soon follows her, while the sorrowing elves proclaim that they who die for love have accomplished their life.
SHANEWIS, OR THE ROBIN WOMAN
An American opera in two parts; book by Nelle Richmond Eberhardt; music by Charles Wakefield Cadman. Produced at the Metropolitan Opera House, March 23, 1918, with the following cast:
| Shanewis | Sophie Braslau |
| Mrs. Everton | Kathleen Howard |
| Amy Everton | Marie Sundelius |
| Lionel | Paul Althouse |
| Philip | Thomas Chalmers |
An Indian girl, whose voice has been elaborately cultivated, falls in love with the son of her benefactress. The young man is already betrothed to Mrs. Everton's daughter. An Indian suitor offers Shanewis a bow and poisoned arrow which she rejects. When he discovers that his rival has left Shanewis in ignorance of his previous betrothal he shoots the gay deceiver, and finishes both the youth and the opera.