A short performance guide from the Washington National Opera...
4
Performances for Young Audiences is made possible by WASHINGTON NATIONAL OPERA M&M’S ® OPERA IN THE OUTFIELD WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART’S The Magic Flute Libretto by Emanuel Schikaneder Directed by Harry Silverstein Conducted by Philippe Auguin Anything is possible in a land ruled by light and darkness— even true love. Throw in a zany sidekick, a noble quest for truth, and one very enchanted flute, and you have the makings of an operatic masterpiece. Cuesheet PERFORMANCE GUIDE David and Alice Rubenstein are the Presenting Underwriters of WNO.
Transcript
The three ladies––powerful minions of theQueen of the Night—protect Prince Tamino.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT...� In The Magic Flute, the realm of darkness seems to be run
by women while the kingdom of light and truth is governedby men. Still, it is Pamina who helps Tamino through hisfinal quest. What do you think the creators’ ultimateattitudes were toward the different genders?
� The Magic Flute libretto is highly unusual in that no one—including the characters—can be sure who’s evil or gooduntil the very end. Why do you think this is?
� Freemasons of Mozart’s era had a strong moral code and abelief in personal fulfillment through enlightenment andreason. How do you think this is reflected in The Magic Flute?
� Tamino and Papageno make up one of opera’s mostfamous “buddy” teams. One is steadfast and serious, andthe other is cowardly and wisecracking. Have you seen abuddy team like this before on stage or in a movie?Where?
WHAT TO WATCH AND LISTEN FOR...� Groups of threes. Many characters, props, and musical
themes will present themselves in a set of three—asymbolic number for the Freemasons. (The overture iseven written in E-flat…the key of three flats.)
� Characters who may signify historical figures from the18th century. (Hint: Austrian Empress Maria Theresa wasa supposed enemy of the Freemasons. Do you think anyof the characters is meant to represent her?)
� Spoken dialogue.While many operas are sung throughout,The Magic Flute features lines delivered without song.
� Many different styles of singing. Listen for the smooth,lyrical melodies sung by Tamino, Pamina, and Sarastroversus the more frantic, hurried sounds of the Queen,Papageno, and Papagena. What do these varying stylessay about the characters?
www.kennedy-center.org/artsedge
Cuesheets are produced by ARTSEDGE,an education program of theKennedy Center.
Learn more about education atThe Kennedy Center atwww.kennedy-center.org/education
The contents of this Cuesheet have beendeveloped under a grant from the U.S.Department of Education and do not necessarilyrepresent the policy of the U.S. Department ofEducation. You should not assumeendorsement by the Federal Government.
Performances for Young Audiencesis made possible by
WASHINGTON NATIONAL OPERAM&M’S® OPERA IN THE OUTFIELD
WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART’S
TheMagicFluteLibretto by Emanuel Schikaneder Directed by Harry Silverstein
Conducted by Philippe Auguin
Anything is possible in a land ruled by light and darkness—even true love. Throw in a zany sidekick, a noble quest for truth,and one very enchanted flute, and you have the makings of
an operatic masterpiece.
David M. RubensteinChairman
Michael M. KaiserPresident
Darrell M. AyersVice President, Education
M&M’S® Opera in the Outfieldis brought to you byAmerican Heritage Chocolate.
M&M’S® Opera in the Outfieldis presented in partnership withthe Washington Nationals.
Additional support for Performancesfor Young Audiences is provided byThe Clark Charitable Foundation;Kaplan, Inc.; Mr. James V. Kimsey;The Macy's Foundation; The Morris andGwendolyn Cafritz Foundation; ParkFoundation, Inc.; Paul M. Angell FamilyFoundation; an endowment from theRyna and Melvin Cohen FamilyFoundation; Washington Gas; and bygenerous contributors to the Abe FortasMemorial Fund and by a major gift tothe fund from the late Carolyn E. Agger,widow of Abe Fortas
Education and related artistic programsare made possible through thegenerosity of the National Committee forthe Performing Arts and the President’sAdvisory Committee on the Arts.
CuesheetP
ER
FO
RM
AN
CE
GU
IDE
David and Alice Rubenstein are thePresenting Underwriters of WNO.
Suddenly, the Queen enters. She urgesTamino to bring her daughter back and ordersPapageno to go with him. The ladies giveTamino a magic flute and provide Papagenowith enchanted silver bells for addedprotection. Thewomen also proclaim that threespirits will give further guidance along theway.
In the palace of Sarastro, the priest’s servant,Monostatos (moh-NAH-stah-tohss) tauntsPamina. He’s interrupted by Papageno, whostumbles in by accident. Monostatos fleesand Papageno tells Pamina about Taminoand his undying love for her.
THE STORY BEHIND Mozart’s final opera,The Magic Flute, which debuted in Vienna in1791, is almost as mystifying as the plot itself.The libretto most likely had several authors—among them famous producer and Flute starEmanuel Schikaneder—and drew from avariety of folk tales as well as popular operaticand political themes of the day. Historiansalso believe the work includes references tothe Freemasons, an exclusive brotherhood ofwhich Mozart was a member.
ACT 1In an ancient kingdom, a menacing serpentpursues a prince named Tamino (pronouncedtah-MEE-noh). The prince collapses and issaved by three ladies who enter and slay themonster. As they rush off, a bird-catchernamed Papageno (pah-pah-GEH-noh) dancesin.Tamino awakens and assumes Papageno hasrescued him, but the three ladies return andexplain the truth. The ladies announce theywork for the Queen of the Night, a sorceresswhose daughter, Pamina (pah-MEE-na), hasbeen abducted by an evil priest namedSarastro (zah-RAH-stroh). They show Taminoa picture of Pamina and he is smitten. ALL PHOTOS BY CORY WEAVER FOR THE SAN FRANCISCO OPERA
About Mozart’sThe Magic Flute
ABOUT WASHINGTON NATIONAL OPERAOriginally founded in 1956, WashingtonNational Opera (WNO) ranks as one oftoday’s largest American operacompanies. WNO presents several operaseach year at the Kennedy Center and itsartists regularly perform throughout thecity. WNO is also active in commissioningnew operas. Among the most popular ofWNO’s community programs is Opera inthe Outfield, which brings free broadcastsof opera to Nationals Park.
ABOUT WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZARTBoy genius Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart(1756–1791) was born in Salzburg, Austriato a family of musicians (his father was awell-known composer and his sister wasan accomplished instrumentalist). Akeyboard whiz by age four and a composerby age five, Mozart traveled and performedthroughout much of Europe, eventuallysettling in Vienna as a freelance artist.Mozart mastered a variety of musicalforms from concertos to symphonies tooperas and beyond, and his unique andunmistakable sound is a trademark ofWestern music’s Classical era.
Elsewhere, the three spirits lead Tamino tothe temple. A priest tells Tamino it is theQueen, and not Sarastro, who is truly wicked.The priest promises Tamino will knoweverything in due time and unseen voicesproclaim Pamina is alive and well. Taminoplays on his flute in celebration, causing theanimals of the forest to dance. The melodyalso attracts Pamina and Papageno. A chaseensues, and Tamino, Pamina, Papageno, andMonostatos find themselves in the presenceof Sarastro. Tamino and Pamina areoverjoyed to meet each other in person, butSarastro separates them, indicating he has aplan in store for the lovers.
ACT 2Sarastro declares Tamino must undergo trialsto become a member of his temple beforethe prince and Pamina can marry. Papagenowill join Tamino and shall be rewarded withhis own wife.
While Tamino and Papageno struggle tomaintain a vow of silence (another part ofSarastro’s test), Monostatos secretly watchesover Pamina. He’s frightened away by theunexpected arrival of the Queen, whoapproaches her daughter carrying a knife.The Queen commands her daughter to killthe priest. Monostatos overhears andattempts to bribe Pamina, but Sarastroappears. He announces he “knows all” andforgives Pamina on the spot.
But further tests await Pamina, Tamino, andPapageno. The strain proves heartbreaking.and Pamina and Papageno both contemplatesuicide. Yet, guided by the voices of the threespirits, Papageno finally meets his beautifulbetrothed—named Papagena (pah-pah-geh-NAH)—and Pamina and Tamino are reunitedto face the final trials of the temple together.Will they succeed? Can love, friendship, andthe magic flute save both couples? To learn more about opera visit
www.kennedy-center.org/artsedgeand click the tag “opera”
Tamino charms the animals of the kingdom with his trusty magic flute.
MAIN CHARACTERSTamino, a princeThree Ladies, servants to the QueenPapageno, a birdcatcherThe Queen of the NightThree SpiritsMonostatos, a servant of SarastroSarastro, a high priest in the templeof IsisPamina, the Queen’s daughterPapagena, a young girl
Suddenly, the Queen enters. She urgesTamino to bring her daughter back and ordersPapageno to go with him. The ladies giveTamino a magic flute and provide Papagenowith enchanted silver bells for addedprotection. Thewomen also proclaim that threespirits will give further guidance along theway.
In the palace of Sarastro, the priest’s servant,Monostatos (moh-NAH-stah-tohss) tauntsPamina. He’s interrupted by Papageno, whostumbles in by accident. Monostatos fleesand Papageno tells Pamina about Taminoand his undying love for her.
THE STORY BEHIND Mozart’s final opera,The Magic Flute, which debuted in Vienna in1791, is almost as mystifying as the plot itself.The libretto most likely had several authors—among them famous producer and Flute starEmanuel Schikaneder—and drew from avariety of folk tales as well as popular operaticand political themes of the day. Historiansalso believe the work includes references tothe Freemasons, an exclusive brotherhood ofwhich Mozart was a member.
ACT 1In an ancient kingdom, a menacing serpentpursues a prince named Tamino (pronouncedtah-MEE-noh). The prince collapses and issaved by three ladies who enter and slay themonster. As they rush off, a bird-catchernamed Papageno (pah-pah-GEH-noh) dancesin.Tamino awakens and assumes Papageno hasrescued him, but the three ladies return andexplain the truth. The ladies announce theywork for the Queen of the Night, a sorceresswhose daughter, Pamina (pah-MEE-na), hasbeen abducted by an evil priest namedSarastro (zah-RAH-stroh). They show Taminoa picture of Pamina and he is smitten. ALL PHOTOS BY CORY WEAVER FOR THE SAN FRANCISCO OPERA
About Mozart’sThe Magic Flute
ABOUT WASHINGTON NATIONAL OPERAOriginally founded in 1956, WashingtonNational Opera (WNO) ranks as one oftoday’s largest American operacompanies. WNO presents several operaseach year at the Kennedy Center and itsartists regularly perform throughout thecity. WNO is also active in commissioningnew operas. Among the most popular ofWNO’s community programs is Opera inthe Outfield, which brings free broadcastsof opera to Nationals Park.
ABOUT WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZARTBoy genius Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart(1756–1791) was born in Salzburg, Austriato a family of musicians (his father was awell-known composer and his sister wasan accomplished instrumentalist). Akeyboard whiz by age four and a composerby age five, Mozart traveled and performedthroughout much of Europe, eventuallysettling in Vienna as a freelance artist.Mozart mastered a variety of musicalforms from concertos to symphonies tooperas and beyond, and his unique andunmistakable sound is a trademark ofWestern music’s Classical era.
Elsewhere, the three spirits lead Tamino tothe temple. A priest tells Tamino it is theQueen, and not Sarastro, who is truly wicked.The priest promises Tamino will knoweverything in due time and unseen voicesproclaim Pamina is alive and well. Taminoplays on his flute in celebration, causing theanimals of the forest to dance. The melodyalso attracts Pamina and Papageno. A chaseensues, and Tamino, Pamina, Papageno, andMonostatos find themselves in the presenceof Sarastro. Tamino and Pamina areoverjoyed to meet each other in person, butSarastro separates them, indicating he has aplan in store for the lovers.
ACT 2Sarastro declares Tamino must undergo trialsto become a member of his temple beforethe prince and Pamina can marry. Papagenowill join Tamino and shall be rewarded withhis own wife.
While Tamino and Papageno struggle tomaintain a vow of silence (another part ofSarastro’s test), Monostatos secretly watchesover Pamina. He’s frightened away by theunexpected arrival of the Queen, whoapproaches her daughter carrying a knife.The Queen commands her daughter to killthe priest. Monostatos overhears andattempts to bribe Pamina, but Sarastroappears. He announces he “knows all” andforgives Pamina on the spot.
But further tests await Pamina, Tamino, andPapageno. The strain proves heartbreaking.and Pamina and Papageno both contemplatesuicide. Yet, guided by the voices of the threespirits, Papageno finally meets his beautifulbetrothed—named Papagena (pah-pah-geh-NAH)—and Pamina and Tamino are reunitedto face the final trials of the temple together.Will they succeed? Can love, friendship, andthe magic flute save both couples? To learn more about opera visit
www.kennedy-center.org/artsedgeand click the tag “opera”
Tamino charms the animals of the kingdom with his trusty magic flute.
MAIN CHARACTERSTamino, a princeThree Ladies, servants to the QueenPapageno, a birdcatcherThe Queen of the NightThree SpiritsMonostatos, a servant of SarastroSarastro, a high priest in the templeof IsisPamina, the Queen’s daughterPapagena, a young girl
The three ladies––powerful minions of theQueen of the Night—protect Prince Tamino.
THINGS TO THINK ABOUT...� In The Magic Flute, the realm of darkness seems to be run
by women while the kingdom of light and truth is governedby men. Still, it is Pamina who helps Tamino through hisfinal quest. What do you think the creators’ ultimateattitudes were toward the different genders?
� The Magic Flute libretto is highly unusual in that no one—including the characters—can be sure who’s evil or gooduntil the very end. Why do you think this is?
� Freemasons of Mozart’s era had a strong moral code and abelief in personal fulfillment through enlightenment andreason. How do you think this is reflected in The Magic Flute?
� Tamino and Papageno make up one of opera’s mostfamous “buddy” teams. One is steadfast and serious, andthe other is cowardly and wisecracking. Have you seen abuddy team like this before on stage or in a movie?Where?
WHAT TO WATCH AND LISTEN FOR...� Groups of threes. Many characters, props, and musical
themes will present themselves in a set of three—asymbolic number for the Freemasons. (The overture iseven written in E-flat…the key of three flats.)
� Characters who may signify historical figures from the18th century. (Hint: Austrian Empress Maria Theresa wasa supposed enemy of the Freemasons. Do you think anyof the characters is meant to represent her?)
� Spoken dialogue.While many operas are sung throughout,The Magic Flute features lines delivered without song.
� Many different styles of singing. Listen for the smooth,lyrical melodies sung by Tamino, Pamina, and Sarastroversus the more frantic, hurried sounds of the Queen,Papageno, and Papagena. What do these varying stylessay about the characters?
www.kennedy-center.org/artsedge
Cuesheets are produced by ARTSEDGE,an education program of theKennedy Center.
Learn more about education atThe Kennedy Center atwww.kennedy-center.org/education
The contents of this Cuesheet have beendeveloped under a grant from the U.S.Department of Education and do not necessarilyrepresent the policy of the U.S. Department ofEducation. You should not assumeendorsement by the Federal Government.
Performances for Young Audiencesis made possible by
WASHINGTON NATIONAL OPERAM&M’S® OPERA IN THE OUTFIELD
WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART’S
TheMagicFluteLibretto by Emanuel Schikaneder Directed by Harry Silverstein
Conducted by Philippe Auguin
Anything is possible in a land ruled by light and darkness—even true love. Throw in a zany sidekick, a noble quest for truth,and one very enchanted flute, and you have the makings of
an operatic masterpiece.
David M. RubensteinChairman
Michael M. KaiserPresident
Darrell M. AyersVice President, Education
M&M’S® Opera in the Outfieldis brought to you byAmerican Heritage Chocolate.
M&M’S® Opera in the Outfieldis presented in partnership withthe Washington Nationals.
Additional support for Performancesfor Young Audiences is provided byThe Clark Charitable Foundation;Kaplan, Inc.; Mr. James V. Kimsey;The Macy's Foundation; The Morris andGwendolyn Cafritz Foundation; ParkFoundation, Inc.; Paul M. Angell FamilyFoundation; an endowment from theRyna and Melvin Cohen FamilyFoundation; Washington Gas; and bygenerous contributors to the Abe FortasMemorial Fund and by a major gift tothe fund from the late Carolyn E. Agger,widow of Abe Fortas
Education and related artistic programsare made possible through thegenerosity of the National Committee forthe Performing Arts and the President’sAdvisory Committee on the Arts.
CuesheetP
ER
FO
RM
AN
CE
GU
IDE
David and Alice Rubenstein are thePresenting Underwriters of WNO.
![[Clarinet_Institute] Mozart - Magic Flute Overture](https://static.documents.pub/doc/80x56/577ca6911a28abea748bed90/clarinetinstitute-mozart-magic-flute-overture.jpg)
