Coyote and Pavayoykyasi from Coyote Tales by Henry Mollicone Voice Solo - Digital Sheet Music

Libretto:
Written by Sheldon Harnick.

Scene Synopsis:
Based on a Hopi legend, 4 great Cloud Chiefs from the West, East, North and South, have journeyed to the village of Oraibi to court a maiden of great beauty. As Coyote watches, they bring gifts to try to win her favor, each in turn asking her to marry them. The maiden acknowledges the value of the gifts, but refuses each one, and says goodbye. The four chiefs, who came in as rivals, depart as friends. Duration: 10:00

Synopsis:
Opera in 2 Acts. The libretto, by Sheldon Harnick (Fiddler on the Roof), is based on Coyote and Pavayoykyasi (taken from Hopi Coyote Tales). The five tales told in the opera are based respectively on legends from the Crow, Okanagon, Karok, Klamath, and Hopi tribes. The music is not intended to resemble Native American songs and traditions; its style is purely Henry Mollicone's.

Each of the tribe's tales is told in a separate scene. The Coyote figure is featured prominently in each, representing the embodiment of the entirety of our human nature. The five tales are: Old Man Coyote Makes the World, Coyote Keeps his Name, How Coyote Brought Fire to the People, Coyote in Love with a Star, and Coyote and Pavayoykyasi. The scenes are held together by a character called "The Storyteller," who at the end of the opera addresses Coyote: "As you behave, we shall too. Old Man Coyote, we are you." Duration: ~ 2 Hours, 30 Minutes