The Magic Flute is an opera composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It was first performed in 1791 at the Freihaus-Theater auf der Wieden in Vienna. The opera is often referred to as "Mozart's Magic Flute" or "The Magic Flute" for short. The libretto, or the text of the opera, was written by Emanuel Schikaneder. The story of The Magic Flute is a fairy tale filled with symbolism and magical elements. It follows the journey of Prince Tamino, who is tasked with rescuing the Queen of the Night's daughter, Pamina, from the evil sorcerer Sarastro.
Though Wood Betony (Stachys officinalis) is less common in today’s apothecaries, it was one of Old World Europe’s most revered herbs. There are colloquialisms about it’s value and virtues from a variety of European cultures; from Spain, “He has as many virtues as Betony”, Italy, “Sell your coat and buy Betony,” and from colonial American herbalist John Sauer,“There is no illness brought by cold in which betony cannot be administered effectively.” In Gaelic, Wood Betony is simply called lis bheathag, or “Life Plant.” 2
He refused to negotiate his identity; embracing his black history, applying his knowledge and understanding that his existence as a black man is in need of representation in art. This piece, still untitled contains the image of two figures a male and a female- with the male figure laying in languid repose and the female figure closely embracing him in her lap.
It follows the journey of Prince Tamino, who is tasked with rescuing the Queen of the Night's daughter, Pamina, from the evil sorcerer Sarastro. Tamino is aided in his quest by a magic flute and a set of magic bells. Throughout the opera, there are themes of love, enlightenment, and the triumph of good over evil.
A silver lining: An introduction to The Roots Necklace.
The year 2020 will quite possibly enter the record books as one of the most memorable years in modern history, beginning with the unexpected and tragic death of global icon and basketball great Kobe Bryant. Since his passing it is as if the balance in the world as we know it shifted, and everything changed. We are faced with an American election which sees mankind staring down the barrel of a gun with the possible re-election of Donald Trump for a second term as President, Black Lives Matter (#BLM) asserting itself as a result of racial injustice against black people (and other people of color) by the police to COVID-19 having the entire world at a standstill and in quarantine- killing close to as many as 153,000 in America alone. Amidst all this death, government enforced quarantine and political turmoil art seems to be the brightest silver lining. There has been a surge in creativity as large sections of entire populations globally are stuck at home, where we see the entrepreneurial and creative sprit rise to produce some fresh, new, and innovative art. My creation of the Roots Necklace is one.
Roots NecklaceA fusion of cultures and artistic traditions guided me in creating the Roots Necklace. As a Jamaican artist who is heavily influenced by the consciousness of Rastafarianism, my affinity to share that same connection in spirituality- alongside the need for those of African descent to reconnect with their heritage birthed my idea. In my previous post where I examined African art from the intricate standpoint of form and function, I explored some of the traditions which are symbolical in the creation of each necklace.
From the usage of the wooden outline of Africa, which symbolizes our connection to the earth and the Black continent, to the uniquely customizable inscriptions that can be placed on every piece, these aspects combined serve as a talisman of remembrance, spirituality and physical connectivity. I blended my love for two-dimensional art and appreciation of three-dimensional renderings, offering the world a new look at four-dimensional fine art as each necklace moves through space and time on our person.
Each necklace is carefully strung with the foundations of visual art as a framework of design in order to achieve maximum visual impact. I chose to make each by hand, from the outline to the painted design to pay homage to my African ancestors who were skilled craftsmen and women. The custom option which includes but is not limited to personal flags as seen above is offered, further adding to the personal connection to your necklace. This exploration in art is one that has been in the making for some time, and like many of the happenings thus far in the year 2020, this is my mark, bred from a call to action as black artists, but also as citizens of a richly creative and innovative world. A world that needs a silver lining.
The characters encounter various trials and tribulations, but ultimately find their way to wisdom and happiness. The opera includes a mix of comedic and serious moments, with a wide range of musical styles and vocal techniques. The Magic Flute is known for its memorable melodies and catchy tunes. Some of the most famous arias include "Der Hölle Rache kocht in meinem Herzen" (The Queen of the Night's aria), "Dies Bildnis ist bezaubernd schön" (Tamino's aria), and "Der Vogelfänger bin ich ja" (Papageno's aria). The opera has been performed countless times since its premiere and continues to be a popular work in the opera repertoire. It is often praised for its innovative blend of comedy and drama, as well as its timeless themes and beautiful music. One of the most well-known productions of The Magic Flute is the one staged at the Royal Opera House in London. The Royal Opera House is a prestigious venue known for its high-quality productions and world-class performers. The production at the Royal Opera House featured stunning sets and costumes, as well as a talented cast of singers and musicians. The Magic Flute remains a beloved and influential opera with its enchanting storyline and captivating music. It continues to be performed and enjoyed by audiences around the world, showcasing the enduring genius of Mozart and his ability to create timeless and magical works of art..
Reviews for "From Mozart to Verdi: The Magical Story of the Royal Opera House"
1. Jane - 2/5
I was really disappointed with "The Magic Flute" at the Royal Opera House. The production felt outdated and lacked creativity. The set design looked cheap and the costumes were uninspiring. The singing and acting were also quite average, with no standout performances. Overall, I expected much more from such a renowned opera house and was left feeling underwhelmed.
2. Tom - 1/5
I had high hopes for "The Magic Flute" at the Royal Opera House, but unfortunately, it fell short of my expectations. The direction was confusing and the storyline was hard to follow. The music was beautiful, but it seemed overshadowed by the chaotic stage production. The performers didn't seem to be fully committed to their roles, and the whole experience left me feeling bored and unimpressed.
3. Sarah - 3/5
I have mixed feelings about "The Magic Flute" at the Royal Opera House. While the singing was impressive and the orchestra played beautifully, I found the production to be over-the-top and exaggerated. The sets were extravagant to the point of distraction, and the acting felt forced. There were some enjoyable moments, but overall, I felt that the production lacked subtlety and finesse.
4. Mike - 2/5
"The Magic Flute" at the Royal Opera House didn't live up to the hype for me. The staging was overcrowded and visually overwhelming. The costumes were garish and cartoonish, which didn't fit well with the opera's classical music. The performance felt disjointed, and the energy of the cast seemed off. Despite some strong vocal performances, I left feeling unengaged and unsatisfied.