in a German translation by Kurt Honolka on December 21, 1968, in a double bill with Menotti's Amahl and the Night Visitors.

[3] The opening fugue is interrupted by a police bulletin telling us that dangerous creatures known only as Globolinks have landed on earth.

The Beleaguered Children The Globolinks disable a school bus on a country road as it returns from spring vacation with a load of students.

Another radio bulletin informs Tony, the bus driver, and the children that the creatures seem to be allergic to the sound of music.

Madame Euterpova interrupts, complaining that the students have left their instruments behind during their spring vacation, even though they had promised to take them home to practice.

He dismisses her and lies down to relieve his "splitting headache", only to hear another radio bulletin warning that "once you are touched by a Globolink, you lose all power of speech" and are turned into one yourself within 24 hours.

As they debate what to do, Madame Euterpova appears as a savior in their time of need, and gathers the teachers along with their own musical instruments, including a drum and a tuba.

Madame Euterpova implores everyone to always make music with their hands and breath, as "she leads the little army away, all happily playing their instruments".

Menotti was fearful of the new wave of electronics and experimentation in music of the time, wondering whether these styles might eventually replace the drama and melody of traditional opera.

To this end, the Globolinks are accompanied by bizarre electronic noises and can only be stopped by real, live music, such as Emily's violin.