When you grow up in the Motor City, you have the opportunity to find all the gems Detroit has to offer. Although there are run down, or even dangerous, parts of the city, people gather in the "D" for entertaining baseball, hockey, and football games, delicious and classic restaurants, and to watch talented artists bring stories to life in theatres throughout the city.
The Michigan Opera Theatre just closed their 45th season this weekend at the Detroit Opera House with an astonishing production of Mozart's, "The Magic Flute." The last time this opera was performed in Detroit was April of 2011. This opera has always been a favorite of all opera-goers but what many may not realize is that the opera is full of valuable and inspirational life lessons.
As the characters are presented with conflict, they solve the challenges then finish the song by joyously sharing the positivity of music. They attribute their victories to the magic their music possesses. If only society could appreciate that magic in real life.
And so, I have created a list of eight of the most valuable lessons for those of you who missed the performance this weekend.
- “NO LYING.” In the very first scene, the three ladies, teach Prince Tamino and Papageno, the bird-man, that no lying leads to a life filled with love for all of mankind.
- “THE TRUTH.” When Papageno and Pamina are put in front of Sarastro, the wise ruler, about their escape, Pamina suggests they tell him the truth, even when they are both frightened to be in his presence. This may sound like “no lying” but really they are quite different. Not lying could still hide the truth, but telling the truth lets everyone know that you aren’t scared of the consequences. It puts you in control.
- “KEEPING TO FAITH IS A SERIOUS MATTER.” I think all the characters learn this lesson. They keep faithful to their lovers, their friends, their parents, and music. Try it sometime.
- “BE STEADFAST, PATIENT, AND BE SILENT.” The spirits pass this wisdom on to Papageno and Tamino during their adventures. These are three things we all like to ignore; we give up, we rush, and we talk way too much.
- “ROSES BLOOM WHERE THORNS ARE FOUND.” Pamina discovers this when she is with her love, Tamino, they can find happiness even in danger and distress.
- “WHEN LED BY FRIENDLY HAND...THEY FIND A BETTER LAND.” Sarastro shares these words about friendship with the traveling companions, Tamino and Papageno. They learn to value friendship more than they ever did before. Additionally, Sarastro tells them that when “a friend forgives his neighbor, no treason is found.” True satisfaction only can be found in friendship.
- MUSIC IS FULL OF POWER AND MAGIC. There are too many examples of this lesson in the opera to present them all. The three ladies tell Tamino that this magic will lead to “joy of men” and the “notes charm a heart of stone.” Later, Tamino, himself, realizes that when “music plays and hatred ends, all would be the best of friends.” They all agree that music would increase laughter and joy, and would end strife.
- And lastly, “WE’LL LIVE BY LOVE, BY LOVE ALONE.” These are the wise words Papageno and Pamina share the first time they meet. Although they do not fall in love with each other, they both share a desire to find true love. Live through love and maybe you will find love, too.
Ultimately, the lesson to be learned is that classical music holds many inspiring thoughts that are applicable in today’s society. We are lucky that Mozart decided to share these lessons with us. Learn from these and “set forth and trust in music’s might.”
