The Pipe of Desire is a romantic grand opera in one act, written by Frederick Shepherd Converse and first published in 1907. The story is set in ancient Persia and revolves around a young prince named Omar, who falls in love with a beautiful slave girl named Zuleika. Despite their mutual attraction, their love is forbidden by the laws of the land and the disapproval of Omar's father, the Sultan. The plot is centered around a magical pipe that has the power to make anyone who hears its music fall in love with the player. Omar discovers this pipe and decides to use it to win Zuleika's heart. However, his plan backfires when the Sultan hears the music and falls in love with Zuleika himself. The ensuing conflict leads to a dramatic conclusion that tests the limits of love, loyalty, and sacrifice. The Pipe of Desire is a classic example of grand opera, with lush orchestration, soaring melodies, and dramatic vocal performances. The score is notable for its use of exotic Eastern themes and intricate harmonies. The libretto, written by Converse himself, is poetic and lyrical, evoking the grandeur and romance of ancient Persia. Overall, The Pipe of Desire is a timeless work of operatic art that continues to captivate audiences with its powerful themes of love, passion, and sacrifice. It remains a beloved classic of the operatic repertoire and a testament to the enduring power of music to move and inspire us.This scarce antiquarian book is a facsimile reprint of the old original and may contain some imperfections such as library marks and notations. Because we believe this work is culturally important, we have made it available as part of our commitment for protecting, preserving, and promoting the world's literature in affordable, high quality, modern editions, that are true to their original work.