De Koven's best known work is usually considered an operetta in the Gilbert and Sullivan tradition, rather than a conventional opera. However classified, it was one of the first nationally popular stage productions featuring original music by an American composer.
Synopsis
Act I
At a village fair, Robert of Locksley meets and falls in love with Maid Marian. However, when Robert attempts to claim his title as Earl of Huntingdon, the Sheriff of Nottingham claims that Robert has been disinherited, and instead grants the title, and Marian's hand, to his protege, Guy of Gisborne. Robert knows there is a trick, but that he will be unable to prevail against the Sheriff's forged documents, and so he joins a band of outlaws and becomes Robin Hood.
Act II
In the forest, where Robin Hood and his men live and hunt, the Sheriff and his men come disguised as tinkers to capture him, and Marian comes to seek him out. The Sheriff is captured, but Guy of Gisbourne arrives with reinforcements and in turn captures Robin and his band.
Act III
Robin escapes, and arrives at the church in time to stop the wedding and is about to take Marion into the forest with him when a pardon arrives from the King, allowing all of the outlaws to live happily ever after.
at Amazon.com
