I'm going to see the opera tonight. What's the basic plot?
2007-03-24 01:49:20 · 4 answers · asked by lizzy7820 1 in Arts & Humanities ➔ Performing Arts
What an awesome opportunity! The Magic Flute is my favorite comic opera, but since I live in a small town I have only been able to see it once. When you arrive at the opera, there will be program with synopses of each act, but it is nice to know the gist of the story before arriving.
Two of the main characters are Tamino, a handsome prince, and Papageno, a birdcatcher who is longing for a wife. Papageno also has a propensity for stretching the truth, and thus is one of the more comic characters. Tamino is given a task by the Queen of the Night to rescue her daughter, Pamina, from Sarastro. If he does so, then the Queen will let him marry Pamina.
To make a long story short, Pamina is rescued, and now Tamino and Papageno must go through an ordeal to prove themselves. Papageno fails because he talks too much, but Tamino succeeds and also wins Pamina's love. Papageno is depressed because he still does not have a wife, and contemplates suicide. Then, Papagena arrives, and they fall in love.
So, it's kind of a fairy-tale story with fun costumes, beautiful songs, and fun humor. Enjoy the opera tonight!
2007-03-24 02:45:14 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 2⤊ 0⤋
Opening scene: You see Prince Tamino sleeping. He wakes up to see Papapgano a humble birdcatcher (who only wants a wife). They are then visited by the 3 ladies who work for the Queen of the Night. They inform him that he is to save her daughter Princess Pamina. They give him a picture of Pamina and he falls instantly in love.
Tamino and Papagano then travel through the woods and come across 3 doors with different Masonic words on them. He is then visited by Zarastro, the King. He is holding Pamina captive and gives Tamino three challenges to win the hand of Pamina.
Pamina is then visited by her mother and she tells Pamina that she is to kill Zarastro and set herself free (the famous Queen of the Night Aria). Pamina is distraught.
In the end, the ladies of the night and the Queen are scared away by Zarastro. Tamino and Pamina find each other and fall madly in love. And Papagano finds his mate, Papagana.
There are a lot of Masonic symbols in this opera, as well as themes of anti-women (they are portrayed as evil and overly emotional). Great show! Usually sung in German. Enjoy the fantasy!
2007-03-24 11:51:47 · answer #2 · answered by Sarah S 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
In a very "Cliff Notes" description of the Opera, it's about the test and fidelity of love. (Love = Tamino & Pamina, Papageno & Papagena) Obstacles are placed to further the dilemma... the ultimate reward, is love. (I don't want to give it away too much!) Hope you enjoy it! Listen for the "Queen of the Night's" Vengeance Coloratura Aria... awesome!
2007-03-24 09:01:21 · answer #3 · answered by amorfelicitaspax 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
it's an opera .. thats all i know
2007-03-24 11:17:19 · answer #4 · answered by iamjustbored10 3 · 0⤊ 1⤋