Cole, Hugo: Asses' Ears

Asses Ears, an opera for children in 3 acts, by Hugo Cole. For chorus and three speaking parts, plus orchestration for flute, clarinet, violins, optional viola, cello, piano and treble recorder

BRIEF SYNOPSIS:

King Midas goes hunting; he meets Pan in the forest and is delighted by his playing on the pipes. They decide that even Apollo, the god of music, cannot play so well. Apollo appears: he and Pan agree to submit their claims to Tmolus, the mountain god. After each has played, Tmolus gives judgment for Apollo. Midas obstinately refuses to accept the decision; as a punishment, Apollo decrees that he shall grow asses’ ears. Midas hides his new ears well under his crown: at last, however, he has to go to the barber’s. The barber is amazed to see the king’s long ears: eventually the barber cannot resist telling the secret to the growing corn, which whispers the secret to the reapers.
Midas has to make the best of it and displays his new ears.