Pembroke – Die Zauberflöte
In the time of the Gods on mount Olympus. There was a longstanding rivalry between the Muses and the Sirens. One day, Zeus called forth both bands of creators for a musical duel in the theatre of Dionysus. The Muses were of course, triumphant. For a song of selfish seduction is no match for a sonata of pure inspiration.
The Muses were, of course, triumphant. For a song of selfish seduction is no match for sonata of pure inspiration. It was said that the flutist stole the show with her mirthful tune, perfect articulation, and unparalleled virtuosity. The victorious Muses plucked the feathers from the Sirens and wore them on their heads, mocking their shamed rivals.
Ages passed, and the Olympians left the earthly realm. But, the magic flute lay hidden and untarnished. Until one day it was found by a stately young woman.
Nannerl was a most brilliant musician, adept at any instrument she touched. But she was overshadowed by her younger brother Wolfgang. Though she taught Wolfgang all his tricks, she was relinquished by tradition into marrying a mediocre man of moderate wealth, all the while her brother toured the world and played for the most esteemed Gentlemen’s Guild.
Nannerl, upon discovering the instrument in the woods, found that it had the sweetest tone, and trills rolled effortlessly through its valves. But the flute would only sing from Nannerl’s breath. For not even Wolfgang could conjure a sound from it.
But Nannerl would never be accepted into Old Men’s Guild to show off her skill to the world. Wolfgang, fed up with the injustice they, devised a plan to dress Nannerl as a man and feature her as a soloist on his next tour.
And so in a dandy disguise, Nannerl toured the best salons, leaving the nobility stunned. She entered the Grande Competition in Paris. And before the final cadenza, she shook off her wig and blazed through exotic scales not heard again for a hundred years.
And so with their fragile honor at stake, the Guild had no choice but to hand the triumphant feather headband to Nannerl.
For the Muses reward those who play for joy and fulfillment of life. And those who cultivate a mind of discipline, practice, and beauty for which to entrust their work. And no wall, but the ones in your own mind, can contain the fire of pure inspiration.
A flute like this is worth more than gold or crowns, for by its power will human joy and contentment be multiplied.
