The Magic Flute

Wikipedia tells us that “The Magic Flute (German Die Zauberflöte, K. 620) is an opera in two acts composed in 1791 by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart to a libretto by Emanuel Schikaneder. The work is in the form of a Singspiel, a popular form that included both singing and spoken dialogue.” Also, Wikipedia summarizes The Magic Flute quite simply when it says “Sarastro, the wise priest of Isis and Osiris, has taken Pamina to the temple for the purpose of releasing her from the influence of her mother, the Queen of the Night. The queen induces the young Prince Tamino to go in search of her daughter and free her from the power of Sarastro; Tamino accomplishes his end, but becomes the disciple of Sarastro, whose mildness and wisdom he has learned to admire. The prince and the princess are united."

My expectations were proven true as soon as I was seated. This is was going to be an excellent performance. My friend, Maggie, was in it and that alone was one of the main reasons for me to attend, however, I knew that there were many musicians in the pit orchestra I knew that played well, and of course the lovely gowns and wigs they would wear—it was all so exciting! The stage was just waiting for those prepared and anxious singers to fill in order that the show could begin. Many people around me looked anxious also; there was a lot of murmuring and sort of an excitement in the air. And as the lights dimmed and the curtain opened, I knew that I was in for a real treat—not only was the singing lovely, but the entire seemed to light up with the combination of an attentive audience and a communicative group of musicians.