THE MAGIC FLUTE
Milton Keynes Theatre, 18 November 2008
Malcolm marshalled us outside the Village Hall at 1700 hours, from whence we made a rapid and comfortable journey to Milton Keynes in the minibus. We arrived there to enjoy a performance of Mozart’s "Die Zauberflöte" given by the Glyndebourne Touring Opera Company at the town’s impressive theatre.
"The Magic Flute" presents difficulties to describe and impossibilities to stage. The "story" ranges through circus, passionate love, comedy, drama and a serious attempt to address Mozart’s belief in Masonic Mysteries. For me, Schikaneder’s German text was totally incomprehensible. Fortunately, we were given a modern English translation in surtitles. This provided some aid to understanding the extraordinary events taking place on the stage beneath,
Overall the singing was good, in some places particularly so. It was accompanied throughout by fine orchestral playing. Just a few examples must suffice. The company is blessed with a sonorous male chorus and an outstanding lyric tenor in Lothar Odinius as Tamino. His muse Pamina (Ana James) also gave a splendid performance as singer and actress. The only wholly dramatic items in the piece are taken by the Queen of the Night. These famously challenging arias were handled by Mari Moriya who negotiated them with outstanding accuracy, a spectacular coloratura top and a strong mid-range soprano. The second act aria in particular drew from the house enthusiastic acclaim.
In conclusion, the company gave us a beautifully staged and costumed addition to their delightful account of Mozart’s wonderful score. We returned home warmed within.
Harry Prior
November 2008