The opening to The Magic Flute, Mozart's famous opera, is a captivating and mystical introduction to a world of fantasy and enchantment. As the curtain rises, the audience is immediately transported to a dark and mysterious forest, setting the stage for the magical tale that unfolds. The overture begins with a gentle and haunting melody, played by the woodwinds, creating an ethereal and otherworldly atmosphere. The soft strings join in, adding depth and richness to the music. Slowly, the music builds in intensity, as the brass and percussion enter, foreshadowing the dramatic events to come. Amidst the music, the sound of a flute can be heard, weaving its way through the orchestral texture.
Sarastro, on the other hand, is the high priest of the Temple of Wisdom, and, as such, always appears calm and in control. His deep bass voice—a traditional operatic sound for characters that have a ton of authority––will stay comfortably in a lower range that falls easy on the ear, providing a clue that he’s a powerful leader with a strong sense of justice.
Listen for the smooth, lyrical melodies sung by Tamino, Pamina, and Sarastro versus the more frantic, hurried sounds of the Queen, Papageno, and Papagena. Listen for the smooth, lyrical melodies sung by Tamino, Pamina, and Sarastro versus the more frantic, hurried sounds of the Queen, Papageno, and Papagena.
Amidst the music, the sound of a flute can be heard, weaving its way through the orchestral texture. This is the introduction to our protagonist, the young prince Tamino, who will embark on a quest filled with trials and love. The curtains part to reveal a darkened forest, bathed in an eerie blue light.
The Magic Flute: Open Rehearsal
Washington National Opera
Friends will become foes and enemies will become allies in Mozart's final and beloved opera. A whimsical production designed by children's author/illustrator Maurice Sendak, best known for Where the Wild Things Are, sets a playful landscape for this enchanting fairy tale. This quest for love and truth is rich with unforgettable vocal acrobatics, evocative symbols and allegory, and colorful characters such as a handsome young prince, a silly bird-catching sidekick, and a mysterious Queen of the Night.
Production Details:
Music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Libretto by Emanuel Schikaneder In English with projected English titles
Production from Portland Opera with Designs by Maurice Sendak
Tamino enters, lost and frightened, his solo flute echoing through the trees. Suddenly, he is attacked by a monstrous serpent, and just as all hope seems lost, three mystical ladies appear and save him. This opening scene sets the stage for the themes of light versus darkness, good versus evil, and the power of love that will resonate throughout the opera. The forest symbolizes the unknown and the trials that Tamino must face in order to rescue the beautiful Princess Pamina. The music of the opening scene is filled with tension and anticipation, capturing the audience's attention from the very beginning. It serves as a sonic exploration of the magical world that Mozart has created, foreshadowing the enchantment and wonder that is yet to come. In conclusion, the opening to The Magic Flute is a captivating introduction to Mozart's opera, drawing the audience into a world of magic and fantasy. The use of music, lighting, and staging creates a sense of mystery and anticipation, setting the stage for the dramatic events to come..
Reviews for "The Opening of The Magic Flute: A Harmonious Blend of Opera and Masonic Symbolism"
1. Sarah - 2 stars
I was really disappointed with "Opening to the Magic Flute". The production felt outdated and lacked creativity. The set design was dull and the costumes were unimpressive. The acting was also quite mediocre, with wooden performances from the cast. The plot was confusing and hard to follow, making it difficult to truly engage with the story. Overall, I found the whole experience underwhelming and would not recommend it.
2. John - 1 star
"Opening to the Magic Flute" was a complete disaster in my opinion. The singing was off-key, and I couldn't understand a word they were saying. The pacing of the opera was way too slow, making it hard to stay engaged. The choreography was sloppy and lacked energy. The whole performance felt amateurish and I regretted spending my money on it. Save yourself the disappointment and skip this production.
3. Emily - 3 stars
While I didn't hate "Opening to the Magic Flute", I certainly didn't love it either. The music was decent, but the overall production fell flat. The staging and set design were unimpressive and failed to create a sense of magic that the title promised. The performances were average at best, with some of the singers struggling to hit the high notes. The story itself felt disjointed and hard to follow, making it difficult to fully connect with the characters. If you're a die-hard fan of opera, you might find some enjoyment in it, but I wouldn't recommend it to casual theatergoers.