BASTIEN

What if Mozart’s famous opera, Bastian and Bastiana, were actually a video game?

What if a fantasy world was created where a witchy NPG character named Colas existed?

What if you liked someone from your high school but didn’t have the courage to approach them and ask them out in person?

Would you create a character in her favorite video game to get to know her better to find out if she likes you?

“Hi, I’m ____________ (Enter a name), welcome to Lamb World, a universe full of magic and love. I will be your avatar in this game. Customize me as you like. The more I look like you, the better. Keep in mind that there are real people in this video game, so I invite you to be as sincere and honest with your physical description as possible.”

“So my name is Bastian, right? What a nice name, I like it. Thank you also for giving me such a healthy and jovial appearance. I can’t wait to start the game with you, who do you want to meet today?”

“I really don’t recommend you meet Colas. He doesn’t have a very good reputation around here.”

“Bastiana? I don’t know her yet, but I’m sure if you like her, I like her too.”

“I understand, that’s why you want to meet Colas. Okay, let’s go then…”

Bastian is the male lead in Bastien und Bastienne, a one-act comic opera (singspiel) composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart in 1768, when he was only 12 years old. The opera is a lighthearted pastoral comedy about love, jealousy, and reconciliation.

Vocal Type & Range:

• Tenor (sometimes performed by a light lyric tenor or a high baritone)
• The role includes elegant yet simple melodies, fitting for a young tenor voice.

Plot & Role in the Opera:
The opera revolves around a misunderstanding between Bastian and Bastienne, a shepherd and shepherdess, who are in love but face a test of their devotion.

The opera ends in joyful reconciliation, with both lovers realizing they were meant for each other.

Bastian’s Jealousy:

At the start, Bastienne believes that Bastian has lost interest in her and is wooing a rich noblewoman.

In reality, Bastian is still deeply in love with Bastienne, but he enjoys teasing her.

The Magical «Test»:

A comical magician named Colas pretends to use magic to solve their love problems.

He advises Bastienne to act cold and indifferent to make Bastian jealous.

Bastian, deeply upset by this, seeks help from Colas as well.

Reunion & Happy Ending:

After some playful emotional distress, the couple reunites.

Musical Highlights:

• «Meiner Liebsten schöne Wangen» – A sweet, lyrical aria where Bastian expresses his love.
• Duet with Bastienne – A charming and playful exchange that builds the comic tension.

Historical Significance:

• One of Mozart’s earliest operatic works, showcasing his early mastery of melody and dramatic pacing.
• It was likely inspired by Jean-Jacques Rousseau’s Le Devin du Village, a similar opera.
• Despite its simplicity, Bastien und Bastienne is still performed today, often as a showcase for young singers.