On Feb. 26 Mozart’s “The Magic Flute” opens at Pepperdine courtesy of our wonderful music department. A melody-driven crowd pleaser replete with comic flair Mozart’s final opera will undoubtedly bring music laughter and joy – which is why it is one of the most beloved works of all time – to the stage at Smothers.
However despite my obvious enthusiasm for opera I recognize the sad state of the art form and the apathetic view of opera that most students hold. Am I that batty that I see value in something that is regarded as outmoded and ridiculous by most of society? Perhaps so but every patron of the opera house is surely not. There must be something there.
Students hardly seem to understand what opera is much less appreciate it. At its inception opera was the incarnation of rising nationalism becoming the next step of artistic pursuit of truth an entertainment form for the middle class who aspired to a nobility beyond them.
Contrary to stereotypes encouraged by one cartoon rabbit there is more to opera than over-sized women in horned helms. While there is no denying the power and significance of Wagner’s Ring Cycle (origin of the famous Ride of the Valkyries and which just opened at the L.A. Opera) to say that it represents the entire canon of opera is to say that Beowulf is an exemplar of the entire body of literature.
Admittedly Pepperdine’s upcoming opera is magic itself but there is much beyond fantasy in opera. If Norse gods and giant snakes don’t do it for you not to worry opera has much more to offer. For all those willing to brave the magical instruments and the vengeful Queen of the Night and see “The Magic Flute I promise you will step into a world of expression beyond your expectations.
Opera is the culmination of human arts. Never before have music, drama, fine art and dance come together to form such a perfect harmony. The ennobling art” emerged through gradually honing and perfecting each of these individual art forms.
Most people will admit the effect of some form of art on their lives but strangely disregard opera. But if you have ever felt the stir of a good story seen meaning in a painting or felt music wash over as if it were thicker than air then opera likely has something to say to you.
Some of the most profound moments of my life when I have felt the most human overwhelmed by the power and beauty of human creativity and character have been in an opera house.
Art remains the single most mysterious and enigmatic of human pursuits. From the utility-based mindset of modern lives it appears to serve little purpose. But the profound effect it has had on civilization is emblazoned across the scope of time and space. It has shaped societies and spread ideas across the globe speaking to the very heart of cultural ideals norms values and beliefs.
But more importantly it has shaped the individual both as the creator and the observer forming the very core of who we are as humans. And opera takes a vital role in this artistic molding.
So then go beyond yourself the art that normally speaks to you what your culture tells you to admire. Humankind has ever pursued the arts as a means of self-understanding: the complexity that is the human spirit given voice and form. Opera is no exception; indeed it is arguably the most supreme artistic expression.