The magic flute, also known as the "The Magic Flute", is a popular opera written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in 1791. It is considered to be one of Mozart's greatest and most enduring works. The opera tells the story of Prince Tamino, who is given a magical flute and is instructed to rescue Princess Pamina from the evil Queen of the Night. Along his journey, Tamino encounters several trials, including a test of his courage and a test of his wisdom. One of the most iconic aspects of "The Magic Flute" is its music. Mozart's score is renowned for its beauty and complexity, and many of the opera's arias and ensembles have become beloved pieces in the classical music repertoire.
Sarastro’s slave Monostatos pursues Pamina (“You will not dare escape”), but is frightened away by the feather-covered Papageno, who tells Pamina that Tamino loves her and intends to save her. Led by the three spirits to the Temple of Sarastro, Tamino is advised by a high priest that it is the queen, not Sarastro, who is evil. Hearing that Pamina is safe, Tamino charms the animals with his flute, then rushes to follow the sound of Papageno’s pipes. Monostatos and his cohorts chase Papageno and Pamina, but are left helpless by Papageno’s magic bells. Sarastro, entering in great ceremony (“Long life to Sarastro”), promises Pamina eventual freedom and punishes Monostatos. Pamina is enchanted by a glimpse of Tamino, who is led into the temple with Papageno.
Sarastro s slave Monostatos pursues Pamina You will not dare escape , but is frightened away by the feather-covered Papageno, who tells Pamina that Tamino loves her and intends to save her. On the Met s website, you can read about the first production of Flute, which incorporated clunky sound machines to imitate rain, thunder, bird calls and clopping horses.
Mozart's score is renowned for its beauty and complexity, and many of the opera's arias and ensembles have become beloved pieces in the classical music repertoire. The opera features a wide range of musical styles, including grand operatic numbers, comic duets, and even elements of folk music. Another notable aspect of "The Magic Flute" is its rich symbolism.
The Met’s meta, meta ‘Magic Flute’
The Metropolitan Opera’s new production of Mozart’s light fantasy known as “The Magic Flute” has been upgraded to an intergalactic fairy tale.
Beginning at 10:55 a.m., a fresh, internet-age version of “Flute” will be livestreamed to the Vallecito Room at Fort Lewis College.
English actor/director Simon McBurney has reconceived the work with video artist Blake Haberman to include live projections, a variety of live sound effects, acrobatics and dreamy visions. Singers will appear to be suspended in the air – at least for part of the time. And live sound effects provided by 100 speakers surrounding the Met’s audience are sure to create a unique experience. It will be interesting to see if any of that magic translates into the FLC Student Union.
In 2012, McBurney first conceived of a new-and-revised version of Mozart’s quirky allegory about the human quest for meaning. At the Dutch National Opera, he embraced the latest in technology. He also grounded the production surprisingly with a respect for the past. On the Met’s website, you can read about the first production of “Flute,” which incorporated clunky sound machines to imitate rain, thunder, bird calls and clopping horses. So, McBurney decided to juxtapose high- and low-tech sound effects to enhance a new, magical world of “Flute.”
In addition to the 100 extra speakers, Foley Artist Ruth Sullivan will be part of the performance with a thunder sheet, among other devices. McBurney has placed her visibly on stage left in what may look like a crazy inventor’s lab or a “Wizard of Oz” figure with bells, whistles and other human-made sonic devices.
The story centers on Prince Tamino (tenor Lawrence Brownlee), who accepts the Queen of the Night’s charge to rescue her daughter, Pamina (soprano Erin Morley), from the supposedly evil priest, Sarastro (bass Stephen Milling). To do so, the Prince must pass a series of tests. His sidekick, the befuddled bird-catcher Papageno (baritone Thomas Oliemans), has his own problems. Together, the two men stumble through a universe filled with obstacles and odd creatures in pursuit of their own goals.
If you go
WHAT: The MET: Live in HD will present Mozart’s “The Magic Flute.”
WHEN: 10:55 a.m. Saturday.
WHERE: Vallecito Room of the Fort Lewis College Student Union, 1000 Rim Drive.
TICKETS: $28 general admission, $25 for seniors, $24 Met members, $12 students, available at the door.
MORE INFORMATION: Visit www.durangoconcerts.com or call 247-7657.
NOTE: Sung in German with English subtitles. Running time: three hours.
Despite a triumphant opening scene, the road to the inevitable happy ending is far from smooth. Fantastic creatures appear and almost derail the quest for love and freedom. Ultimately, “Flute” is a buddy opera with the Queen as a scary villainess. Be prepared when she (super soprano Kathryn Lewek) channels her rage and sings a blistering, tweet-storm of an aria.
In the last decade of the 18th century, Emanuel Shickaneder, a Viennese actor-impresario and fellow Freemason, urged Mozart to compose a popular opera to be sung in German. Both men needed money, and both believed in the ideals of Freemasonry – reason and balance.
Mozart created “Flute” for a popular audience, hence, the libretto in German, not the more conventional Italian. The form is known as a Singspiel, or song-play, the predecessor of today’s American musical theater. Songs are sung as “numbers” with connecting tissue in the form of spoken dialogue and stage business that drives the story forward.
Nathalie Stutzmann from the Atlanta Symphony will conduct, as she did most recently for the Met’s super-dark production of Mozart’s “Don Giovanni.” “The Magic Flute” will be a shining bright contrast. It runs a little over three hours.
Judith Reynolds is an arts journalist and member of the American Theatre Critics Association.
Prince Tamino and Papageno are sent by the Queen of Night to save her daughter Pamina from the clutches of the evil lord Sarastro. Prince Tamino and Papageno are sent by the Queen of Night to save her daughter Pamina from the clutches of the evil lord Sarastro. Prince Tamino and Papageno are sent by the Queen of Night to save her daughter Pamina from the clutches of the evil lord Sarastro.
The opera incorporates elements of Masonic symbolism, which was popular during the time of its composition. The themes of enlightenment, initiation, and the triumph of good over evil are prevalent throughout the opera, making it a complex and multi-layered work. "The Magic Flute" has remained popular and widely performed since its premiere, and it continues to captivate audiences with its combination of music, drama, and symbolism. Its universal themes and timeless appeal have made it an enduring masterpiece of the operatic repertoire..
Reviews for "The Magic Flute Met: A Magical Opera Experience"
1. Emily - 1 star
I was really disappointed with "The Magic Flut Met". The plot was too confusing and didn't make much sense. The characters were shallow and lacked depth, making it hard for me to connect with them. The pacing was also really slow, and I found myself getting bored multiple times throughout the movie. Overall, I didn't enjoy this film and would not recommend it to others.
2. Mark - 2 stars
"The Magic Flut Met" had so much potential, but it fell short for me. The visuals were stunning and the musical performances were well-executed, but that's about it. The story was convoluted and hard to follow, and the dialogue felt forced and laced with clichés. I wanted to like this movie, but it just didn't live up to my expectations. I wouldn't say it's the worst film I've ever seen, but I wouldn't watch it again.
3. Sarah - 2 stars
I was really excited to watch "The Magic Flut Met" based on the rave reviews I heard, but unfortunately, it didn't live up to the hype for me. The special effects were impressive, but the story lacked depth and felt disjointed. The characters were forgettable and their motivations were unclear. While the music was beautiful, that alone couldn't save the film for me. I was left feeling underwhelmed and unsatisfied by the end.
4. Thomas - 1 star
"The Magic Flut Met" was a total waste of my time. The plot was confusing and made no sense whatsoever. The characters were one-dimensional and lacked any real development. The acting was also subpar, with wooden performances that left me cringing. I couldn't wait for this movie to be over, and I would honestly recommend skipping it altogether.