Since early paranoia seems to be not entirely warranted, loosening up here on the FO posts. I'll be gradually going back and unlocking some of the stuff that we ran jbackup on and mowed down
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Wow. Not that I've ever looked for it? But you're the first person I've seen analyze this opera. :)
The Magic Flute is my favorte, despite misogynistic elements. I think it's mostly in part due to the fact when I saw it in Knoxville (oh, back in high school), they sang in German, but spoke dialogue in English. So it had a rather nice, fun, musical feel to it.
I think you're right on with a lot of what you say, especially the lack of understanding of cycles. I think, in some ways, this is not just a flaw in the opera or masonic thinking, but misogyny in general: it's always about the goal and things to be conquered. Have you ever noticed that?
An aside, I was always under the impression that Sorastro was Pamina's father. I couldn't tell you for sure, as it's been a while since I saw the opera, and the last time I ever studied this particular piece was my junior year in college, but that notion is rather strong with me, so maybe it's true?
If you're curious, check out the link in my entry about reading up on it -- I did find a page with some basic analysis synopses. Right after I came out of the show the first thing I thought was that someone (and probably several someones) had to have analyzed this before. All of the symbols just boldly invite it. The page I posted gives a token foray into a Jungian interpretation, but I think there is a lot more depth there in terms of shadow and ego interpretation that, at least as far as the webpage is concerned, hasn't yet happened, and would be interesting to do.
I can definitely see how it could be one's favorite opera. I'm not given much to opera in general -- I've seen the Carmen and I'm very interested in seeing Marriage of Figaro since that one is also Mozart's and I love his work -- but strictly for the costumes alone I really enjoyed this, and the music is divine. Hearing it performed live by such talented voices was worth every penny of our rather expensive tickets
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If you ever get a chance, though, definitely see Don Giovanni. I haven't seen it in person, but the music is amazing. And now that I think of it, Figaro celebrates the intelligence of bright young women, so you might be really interested in it. Plus, it's funny and really cute. :)
I think the idea of opera is best summarized in the Preston/Child novels: opera is the sitcom of two hundred years ago. It represents boorish entertainment, and pales next to the symphonic form.
Not to diss too much on opera. Using the human voice as an instrument like that can be overwhelmingly beautiful. Particularly the "Voi, che sapete" duet from the Marriage of Figaro. But again, that's Mozart breaking the mold.
I still think the symphonic form is the most transcendent type of music. Next to modern ambient breakbeats. :) But it takes a really good backroom beat to get the same emotional reaction as a Brahms sonata.
Comments 4
The Magic Flute is my favorte, despite misogynistic elements. I think it's mostly in part due to the fact when I saw it in Knoxville (oh, back in high school), they sang in German, but spoke dialogue in English. So it had a rather nice, fun, musical feel to it.
I think you're right on with a lot of what you say, especially the lack of understanding of cycles. I think, in some ways, this is not just a flaw in the opera or masonic thinking, but misogyny in general: it's always about the goal and things to be conquered. Have you ever noticed that?
An aside, I was always under the impression that Sorastro was Pamina's father. I couldn't tell you for sure, as it's been a while since I saw the opera, and the last time I ever studied this particular piece was my junior year in college, but that notion is rather strong with me, so maybe it's true?
Reply
I can definitely see how it could be one's favorite opera. I'm not given much to opera in general -- I've seen the Carmen and I'm very interested in seeing Marriage of Figaro since that one is also Mozart's and I love his work -- but strictly for the costumes alone I really enjoyed this, and the music is divine. Hearing it performed live by such talented voices was worth every penny of our rather expensive tickets ( ... )
Reply
If you ever get a chance, though, definitely see Don Giovanni. I haven't seen it in person, but the music is amazing. And now that I think of it, Figaro celebrates the intelligence of bright young women, so you might be really interested in it. Plus, it's funny and really cute. :)
Reply
Not to diss too much on opera. Using the human voice as an instrument like that can be overwhelmingly beautiful. Particularly the "Voi, che sapete" duet from the Marriage of Figaro. But again, that's Mozart breaking the mold.
I still think the symphonic form is the most transcendent type of music. Next to modern ambient breakbeats. :) But it takes a really good backroom beat to get the same emotional reaction as a Brahms sonata.
Reply
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