Purist Form of Love

The purist form of love can be found in Giacomo Puccini's Madame Butterfly, it's companion, heartache. The October 2, 2006 production of Butterfly by the Lyric Opera of Kansas City posed itself as the single most affected musical experience of my twenty-three years.

From curtain, Puccini offers humor in the mannerisms and dialogue, but follows brilliantly with true love between Benjamin Franklin Pinkerton and Madame Butterfly. So refreshing were the verbal exchanges displayed by gracing the ears as eloquently as the original uncorrupted thoughts. The expressions of love between the two takes the ordinary people in the opera house and compels a universal yearning to be a romantic and to love another as the two on stage do.

The arousals of romantic feelings are put on hold with the departure of Pinkerton to serve the great country of America while Butterfly remains. The stubbornness with which she endures a strict loyalty to Pinkerton shows the truth that pure love and ultimate faith have existed and can prevail. The years pass with Butterfly's unwavering attachment to her absent husband becoming more admirable. One never knows of the American child she has born until the very end of this most beautiful opera.

The wonderful feelings of lust and love were segued into darker emotions by the humor of Goro the marriage broker. He is an unethical man in both secular and religious scales, but to say he is of low integrity offers itself as too much of a compliment. As Butterfly waits for her love to return home from serving Goro brings suitors for this seemingly disgraced woman. Along with the absolute filth of Goro is the comic relief that is warmly accepted throughout, barfing the end that no amount of humor could strip a witness of the sadness that Butterfly's demise excites. Her honor is kept as she ends her life. While she lies dying on the floor of her home, Pinkerton comes to the realization of the true love that existed.

This is the end that Pinkerton himself chose when he took a new wife, and as a reminder of his deplorable nature he has the reminder of his child created through his passion and greed.

I have never in all my experiences with music been so completely taken by a piece. My first association with Madame Butterfly will most certainly not be the last. From the Guild room, the wine, and the atmosphere of the Lyric Opera of Kansas City, I was astonished and awed.

My first encounter with the Lyric over a year ago fashioned a lifelong companionship. The whole experience of putting on a suit and going to dinner downtown or on the plaza creates an aristocratic allure that so many college students would never associate themselves with fiscally. This is no longer a problem. Rather, it has not been one for some time, as Avila students may attend any Monday or Wednesday performance at the Lyric Opera free of charge. Present an Avila identification card one hour before curtain to receive one free ticket.

There are two productions left in the season, The Magic Flute by Mozart, and John Brown by Kirke Mechem. This is a wonderful opportunity for the Avila community to gain some culture outside of the repetitive normalcy of College life. While this is not New York ,the Lyric is of the highest caliber, and as an Avila student those that choose to take advantage of this courtesy should do so in a manner that brings no harm to the University. Dress nicely and take an active interest in learning opera etiquette. The opera tickets are an inspired gift to the Avila community embrace them and enjoy them.