Zaide, K. 344, Nur mutig, mein herze,

Nur mutig, mein herze

So why am I on such a Zaide kick? There are lots of reasons. Dig closely into my blurbs for some. But often, we go through artistic phases based on philosophical… existential… queries. One theme that seems quite prevalent is the dystopian future. Sure, they play on our fears. Even this troglodyte at heart has to tame my own ‘prepper’ lusts. My wife has insulted me numerous times for suggesting that it may be a good idea to store a stockpile of dried beans and bullets. Yet, the modern dystopic stories, deep in their core, lack moral dilemmas.

"Hey troglodyte, how do you mean?" Some may say.

Hunger Games? Divergent? 1984 (An oldie). Etc. They all center on protagonists’ wrestling with a society so terrible, they have no other choice but to act. To rebel. Their rebellion is their only chance at survival, their only chance for a slice of pleasure, even though a slim chance. Maybe, that is the appeal. Sometimes, I wonder if deep down we want to be put in a position where we are forced to act. Passive action.  In this same manner, one could say that Gomatz is in this type of position. He has nothing to lose. His escape could be his only survival.

But… He is not the one facing a real moral dilemma.

Lately, I’ve been wrestling in my writings. (I’ve yet to have a hint of success).  I’ve created works centered on a utopic society. But, this society is propped via a corrupt reality. The protagonists wrestle with whether taking a stand is worthwhile, if it means ruining their lives. And, even crumbling the culture.

Then I come to a work like Zaide.

I’ve done some research on Ottoman slavery during Mozart’s time. Of course, we all abhor slavery (or at least should) but Ottoman slavery was… interesting? Many of the most powerful advisors and politicians were slaves. Particularly European slaves. And, during a time when women were downgraded, the wives of the harem had considerable power. Some were the most powerful people in the land.  All this power, yet still a slave. Hence, enters the moral dilemmas of Zaide. Both Zaide and Allazim had a good lot. (Even Osmin acknowledges it in his mocking.) But, are they willing to give it all up for a greater purpose? One can see why Zaide would take a risk for love. But what about Allazim? Why would he risk his life? His prosperity… Love? Possibly a even deeper love?

Nur mutig, mein herze reflects Allazim’s struggle. He has caught young, forbidden love, mid dance. His job is to punish, but he offers mercy. A mercy that could get him killed. In this aria, he fights his fears, trying to psych himself up to do what is right. With a fist pump, he finishes the aria with the phrase, ‘often the weak beat the strong.’ Somehow, someway, he places his confidence in something bigger than himself or his situation.

And, this brings me back to Mozart. Yes. He had a lot of misery in his life at that point. But, as I think about it, in his time, misery was the norm. Having a slow internet connection is nothing compared to the crap 18^th century humans had to endure. Mozart would have had a better lot than most. I wonder if at times, Mozart looked at his life listening to the voices that said, “Suck it up, everyone is miserable,” and thought, “Yeah. They’re right. I have it pretty good.” He tried to convince himself that. Yet, he couldn’t. He would never be content in Salzburg. Thus, his own moral dilemma. Should he stand against his father? Against his employer? Against his city? Even if it led to his destruction?