Musketiere!

Libretto by David Bösch (G)

S,M,T,2Bar,B;
1(=picc).1.1.1-1.0.0.0-perc(1):cym/crot/egg shaker/flexatone/glsp/BD/cast/SD/cowbell/whip/tam-t/tom-t/tgl/xyl-pft-strings(1.1.1.1.1 or tutti)

France is under the spell of the Golden Croissant: everyone is mentally enslaved, thinking only of themselves and profit. This magical object was created by the evil Cardinal. Not only has she brought the childish king to heel, but she also wants to gain universal power by means of an army of clones of the golden fetish which will be distributed throughout the world.

Liberation comes in the form of D’Artagnan, an energetic young woman with a plan: become a musketeer, melt the croissant, free humanity! But an unexpected obstacle lurks on the first stage of her heroic journey: the Office for General Musketeer Qualification Permits... only those who are two metres tall, with broad shoulders and great-grandparents who were also musketeers can become certified heroes. And on top of that there are the fees. Fortunately, D’Artagnan meets Portos, who is a master swordsman, but who would simply prefer to be the third member of the Three Musketeers. Together, they don’t give a hoot about the paperwork. The sweet-toothed horse Holgär joins them, and their path is guided from offstage by the mysterious Master Wu.

In the Moor of Horror, the skeletons guarding the Mother Croissant are overcome by hugs, as per Wu’s prophecy. But when they touch the croissant, an alarm goes off and the three freedom fighters are trapped. Now Master Wu must personally intervene in the battle. The magic is reversed and the cardinal is transformed into a mooing cow. Everyone is freed and they are once again masters of their own existence, able to become whatever they want and there for each other: all for one, and one for all.

For his first opera libretto, director David Bösch has given the classic story of D'Artagnan and the musketeers a good shake-up. The role of the horse Holgär is an entertaining emcee who guides us through the story in a child-friendly and humorous way, while at the same time being part of the story and the musketeer society himself. For one character, the author and director drew inspiration from a completely different universe: The character of Master Wu, who supports and confuses Porthos with enigmatic advice, is based on the animated series Ninjago.

Comic