Opera in the Outfield: Washington National Opera's The Magic Flute

®

David M. Rubenstein Chairman Michael M. Kaiser President Darrell M. Ayers Vice President, Education

M&M’S® Opera in the Outfield is brought to you by American Heritage Chocolate.

THINGS TO THINK ABOUT...

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In The Magic Flute, the realm of darkness seems to be run by women while the kingdom of light and truth is governed by men. Still, it is Pamina who helps Tamino through his final quest. What do you think the creators’ ultimate attitudes 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 good until the very end. Why do you think this is?

Freemasons of Mozart’s era had a strong moral code and a belief in personal fulfillment through enlightenment and reason. How do you think this is reflected in The Magic Flute?

Tamino and Papageno make up one of opera’s most famous “buddy” teams. One is steadfast and serious, and the other is cowardly and wisecracking. Have you seen a buddy team like this before on stage or in a movie? Where?

M&M’S® Opera in the Outfield is presented in partnership with the Washington Nationals.

Additional support for Performances for Young Audiences is provided by The Clark Charitable Foundation; Kaplan, Inc.; Mr. James V. Kimsey; The Macy's Foundation; The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation; Park Foundation, Inc.; Paul M. Angell Family Foundation; an endowment from the Ryna and Melvin Cohen Family Foundation; Washington Gas; and by generous contributors to the Abe Fortas Memorial Fund and by a major gift to the fund from the late Carolyn E. Agger, widow of Abe Fortas

WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART’S

PERFORMANCE GUIDE

WASHINGTON NATIONAL OPERA M&M’S OPERA IN THE OUTFIELD

Cuesheet

The three ladies––powerful minions of the Queen of the Night—protect Prince Tamino.

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.

Education and related artistic programs are made possible through the generosity of the National Committee for the Performing Arts and the President’s Advisory Committee on the Arts.

WHAT TO WATCH AND LISTEN FOR...

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■

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Groups of threes. Many characters, props, and musical themes will present themselves in a set of three—a symbolic number for the Freemasons. (The overture is even written in E-flat…the key of three flats.)

Characters who may signify historical figures from the 18th century. (Hint: Austrian Empress Maria Theresa was a supposed enemy of the Freemasons. Do you think any of 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 Sarastro versus the more frantic, hurried sounds of the Queen, Papageno, and Papagena. What do these varying styles say about the characters?

www.kennedy-center.org/artsedge Cuesheets are produced by ARTSEDGE, an education program of the Kennedy Center.

Learn more about education at The Kennedy Center at www.kennedy-center.org/education The contents of this Cuesheet have been developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education and do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education. You should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. © 2014 The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

David and Alice Rubenstein are the Presenting Underwriters of WNO.

Performances for Young Audiences is made possible by

About Mozart’s

The Magic Flute

Tamino charms the animals of the kingdom with his trusty magic flute.

THE STORY BEHIND Mozart’s final opera, The Magic Flute, which debuted in Vienna in 1791, is almost as mystifying as the plot itself.

The libretto most likely had several authors— among them famous producer and Flute star Emanuel Schikaneder—and drew from a variety of folk tales as well as popular operatic and political themes of the day. Historians also believe the work includes references to the Freemasons, an exclusive brotherhood of which Mozart was a member.

ACT 1 In an ancient kingdom, a menacing serpent pursues a prince named Tamino (pronounced tah-MEE-noh). The prince collapses and is saved by three ladies who enter and slay the monster. As they rush off, a bird-catcher named Papageno (pah-pah-GEH-noh) dances in. Tamino awakens and assumes Papageno has rescued him, but the three ladies return and explain the truth. The ladies announce they work for the Queen of the Night, a sorceress whose daughter, Pamina (pah-MEE-na), has been abducted by an evil priest named Sarastro (zah-RAH-stroh). They show Tamino a picture of Pamina and he is smitten.

Suddenly, the Queen enters. She urges Tamino to bring her daughter back and orders Papageno to go with him. The ladies give Tamino a magic flute and provide Papageno with enchanted silver bells for added protection. The women also proclaim that three spirits will give further guidance along the way.

In the palace of Sarastro, the priest’s servant, Monostatos (moh-NAH-stah-tohss) taunts Pamina. He’s interrupted by Papageno, who stumbles in by accident. Monostatos flees and Papageno tells Pamina about Tamino and his undying love for her.

MAIN CHARACTERS Tamino, a prince Three Ladies, servants to the Queen Papageno, a birdcatcher The Queen of the Night Three Spirits Monostatos, a servant of Sarastro Sarastro, a high priest in the temple of Isis Pamina, the Queen’s daughter Papagena, a young girl

Elsewhere, the three spirits lead Tamino to the temple. A priest tells Tamino it is the Queen, and not Sarastro, who is truly wicked.

The priest promises Tamino will know everything in due time and unseen voices proclaim Pamina is alive and well. Tamino plays on his flute in celebration, causing the animals of the forest to dance. The melody also attracts Pamina and Papageno. A chase ensues, and Tamino, Pamina, Papageno, and Monostatos find themselves in the presence of Sarastro. Tamino and Pamina are overjoyed to meet each other in person, but Sarastro separates them, indicating he has a plan in store for the lovers.

ABOUT WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART Boy genius Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791) was born in Salzburg, Austria to a family of musicians (his father was a well-known composer and his sister was an accomplished instrumentalist). A keyboard whiz by age four and a composer by age five, Mozart traveled and performed throughout much of Europe, eventually settling in Vienna as a freelance artist.

Mozart mastered a variety of musical forms from concertos to symphonies to operas and beyond, and his unique and unmistakable sound is a trademark of Western music’s Classical era.

ACT 2 Sarastro declares Tamino must undergo trials to become a member of his temple before the prince and Pamina can marry. Papageno will join Tamino and shall be rewarded with his own wife.

While Tamino and Papageno struggle to maintain a vow of silence (another part of Sarastro’s test), Monostatos secretly watches over Pamina. He’s frightened away by the unexpected arrival of the Queen, who approaches her daughter carrying a knife.

The Queen commands her daughter to kill the priest. Monostatos overhears and attempts to bribe Pamina, but Sarastro appears. He announces he “knows all” and forgives Pamina on the spot.

But further tests await Pamina, Tamino, and Papageno. The strain proves heartbreaking. and Pamina and Papageno both contemplate suicide. Yet, guided by the voices of the three spirits, Papageno finally meets his beautiful betrothed—named Papagena (pah-pah-gehNAH)—and Pamina and Tamino are reunited to face the final trials of the temple together.

Will they succeed? Can love, friendship, and the magic flute save both couples?

ALL PHOTOS BY CORY WEAVER FOR THE SAN FRANCISCO OPERA

ABOUT WASHINGTON NATIONAL OPERA Originally founded in 1956, Washington National Opera (WNO) ranks as one of today’s largest American opera companies. WNO presents several operas each year at the Kennedy Center and its artists regularly perform throughout the city. WNO is also active in commissioning new operas. Among the most popular of WNO’s community programs is Opera in the Outfield, which brings free broadcasts of opera to Nationals Park.

To learn more about opera visit www.kennedy-center.org/artsedge and click the tag “opera”

About Mozart’s

The Magic Flute

Tamino charms the animals of the kingdom with his trusty magic flute.

THE STORY BEHIND Mozart’s final opera, The Magic Flute, which debuted in Vienna in 1791, is almost as mystifying as the plot itself.

The libretto most likely had several authors— among them famous producer and Flute star Emanuel Schikaneder—and drew from a variety of folk tales as well as popular operatic and political themes of the day. Historians also believe the work includes references to the Freemasons, an exclusive brotherhood of which Mozart was a member.

ACT 1 In an ancient kingdom, a menacing serpent pursues a prince named Tamino (pronounced tah-MEE-noh). The prince collapses and is saved by three ladies who enter and slay the monster. As they rush off, a bird-catcher named Papageno (pah-pah-GEH-noh) dances in. Tamino awakens and assumes Papageno has rescued him, but the three ladies return and explain the truth. The ladies announce they work for the Queen of the Night, a sorceress whose daughter, Pamina (pah-MEE-na), has been abducted by an evil priest named Sarastro (zah-RAH-stroh). They show Tamino a picture of Pamina and he is smitten.

Suddenly, the Queen enters. She urges Tamino to bring her daughter back and orders Papageno to go with him. The ladies give Tamino a magic flute and provide Papageno with enchanted silver bells for added protection. The women also proclaim that three spirits will give further guidance along the way.

In the palace of Sarastro, the priest’s servant, Monostatos (moh-NAH-stah-tohss) taunts Pamina. He’s interrupted by Papageno, who stumbles in by accident. Monostatos flees and Papageno tells Pamina about Tamino and his undying love for her.

MAIN CHARACTERS Tamino, a prince Three Ladies, servants to the Queen Papageno, a birdcatcher The Queen of the Night Three Spirits Monostatos, a servant of Sarastro Sarastro, a high priest in the temple of Isis Pamina, the Queen’s daughter Papagena, a young girl

Elsewhere, the three spirits lead Tamino to the temple. A priest tells Tamino it is the Queen, and not Sarastro, who is truly wicked.

The priest promises Tamino will know everything in due time and unseen voices proclaim Pamina is alive and well. Tamino plays on his flute in celebration, causing the animals of the forest to dance. The melody also attracts Pamina and Papageno. A chase ensues, and Tamino, Pamina, Papageno, and Monostatos find themselves in the presence of Sarastro. Tamino and Pamina are overjoyed to meet each other in person, but Sarastro separates them, indicating he has a plan in store for the lovers.

ABOUT WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART Boy genius Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791) was born in Salzburg, Austria to a family of musicians (his father was a well-known composer and his sister was an accomplished instrumentalist). A keyboard whiz by age four and a composer by age five, Mozart traveled and performed throughout much of Europe, eventually settling in Vienna as a freelance artist.

Mozart mastered a variety of musical forms from concertos to symphonies to operas and beyond, and his unique and unmistakable sound is a trademark of Western music’s Classical era.

ACT 2 Sarastro declares Tamino must undergo trials to become a member of his temple before the prince and Pamina can marry. Papageno will join Tamino and shall be rewarded with his own wife.

While Tamino and Papageno struggle to maintain a vow of silence (another part of Sarastro’s test), Monostatos secretly watches over Pamina. He’s frightened away by the unexpected arrival of the Queen, who approaches her daughter carrying a knife.

The Queen commands her daughter to kill the priest. Monostatos overhears and attempts to bribe Pamina, but Sarastro appears. He announces he “knows all” and forgives Pamina on the spot.

But further tests await Pamina, Tamino, and Papageno. The strain proves heartbreaking. and Pamina and Papageno both contemplate suicide. Yet, guided by the voices of the three spirits, Papageno finally meets his beautiful betrothed—named Papagena (pah-pah-gehNAH)—and Pamina and Tamino are reunited to face the final trials of the temple together.

Will they succeed? Can love, friendship, and the magic flute save both couples?

ALL PHOTOS BY CORY WEAVER FOR THE SAN FRANCISCO OPERA

ABOUT WASHINGTON NATIONAL OPERA Originally founded in 1956, Washington National Opera (WNO) ranks as one of today’s largest American opera companies. WNO presents several operas each year at the Kennedy Center and its artists regularly perform throughout the city. WNO is also active in commissioning new operas. Among the most popular of WNO’s community programs is Opera in the Outfield, which brings free broadcasts of opera to Nationals Park.

To learn more about opera visit www.kennedy-center.org/artsedge and click the tag “opera”

®

David M. Rubenstein Chairman Michael M. Kaiser President Darrell M. Ayers Vice President, Education

M&M’S® Opera in the Outfield is brought to you by American Heritage Chocolate.

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 governed by men. Still, it is Pamina who helps Tamino through his final quest. What do you think the creators’ ultimate attitudes 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 good until the very end. Why do you think this is?

Freemasons of Mozart’s era had a strong moral code and a belief in personal fulfillment through enlightenment and reason. How do you think this is reflected in The Magic Flute?

Tamino and Papageno make up one of opera’s most famous “buddy” teams. One is steadfast and serious, and the other is cowardly and wisecracking. Have you seen a buddy team like this before on stage or in a movie? Where?

M&M’S® Opera in the Outfield is presented in partnership with the Washington Nationals.

Additional support for Performances for Young Audiences is provided by The Clark Charitable Foundation; Kaplan, Inc.; Mr. James V. Kimsey; The Macy's Foundation; The Morris and Gwendolyn Cafritz Foundation; Park Foundation, Inc.; Paul M. Angell Family Foundation; an endowment from the Ryna and Melvin Cohen Family Foundation; Washington Gas; and by generous contributors to the Abe Fortas Memorial Fund and by a major gift to the fund from the late Carolyn E. Agger, widow of Abe Fortas

WOLFGANG AMADEUS MOZART’S

PERFORMANCE GUIDE

WASHINGTON NATIONAL OPERA M&M’S OPERA IN THE OUTFIELD

Cuesheet

The three ladies––powerful minions of the Queen of the Night—protect Prince Tamino.

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.

Education and related artistic programs are made possible through the generosity of the National Committee for the Performing Arts and the President’s Advisory Committee on the Arts.

WHAT TO WATCH AND LISTEN FOR...

■

■

■

■

Groups of threes. Many characters, props, and musical themes will present themselves in a set of three—a symbolic number for the Freemasons. (The overture is even written in E-flat…the key of three flats.)

Characters who may signify historical figures from the 18th century. (Hint: Austrian Empress Maria Theresa was a supposed enemy of the Freemasons. Do you think any of 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 Sarastro versus the more frantic, hurried sounds of the Queen, Papageno, and Papagena. What do these varying styles say about the characters?

www.kennedy-center.org/artsedge Cuesheets are produced by ARTSEDGE, an education program of the Kennedy Center.

Learn more about education at The Kennedy Center at www.kennedy-center.org/education The contents of this Cuesheet have been developed under a grant from the U.S. Department of Education and do not necessarily represent the policy of the U.S. Department of Education. You should not assume endorsement by the Federal Government. © 2014 The John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts

David and Alice Rubenstein are the Presenting Underwriters of WNO.

Performances for Young Audiences is made possible by