The Seduction of Music
By Michelle Rowlson
Kalamazoo Valley Community College
Spring 2007

Hansel, Hansel wake up! Gretel called with a note of panic in her voice. This, of course, caused Hansel to jolt out of bed.

What, what is it Gretel? Hansel replied half a sleep.

Dont you hear that sound? Gretel asked hopefully.

Hansel crept close to the window and listens closely, All I hear are those annoying Gnomes playing in the yard!

NO! Gretel exclaimed it sounds like a beautiful group of birds singing. I am going out to investigate this. She storms out of the room and out the front door.

Hansel then quickly jumps out of bed changes out of his bed clothes.
Gretel wait for me. He cries as he is running out the door after her.

When Hansel reached the front yard he almost runs right into Gretel, who seems to be just staring out into space. Hansel still hasnt heard the music. The only thing he hears is the chatter of the Gnomes hiding in the bushes. Hansel starts looking around trying to figure out what Gretel is looking at and listening to. Hansel notices that all of the kids on his street are standing out in their front yards with looks on their faces similar to the look on Gretels face.

Hansel she whispers, dont you just love that sound! It makes me want to dance. Just then she starts spinning and dancing around the yard.

Hansel continues to look around, he spots a figure at the top of the hill he seems to be playing some sort of instrument. Gretel sees him too.

Hansel she whispers.

Yes I see him. Hansel replies in a dreamy state. He has finally heard the Pipers sweet song. It was at that moment that all the children started heading toward the Piper. They move up the hill toward him and his beautiful song. They had no fear, they did not seem to care that they were leaving behind their houses, chores and families. As the children started walking all together they were laughing, dancing and singing along with Pipers music.

Hansel turns to Gretel and exclaims, This music is so wonderful! I would follow the Piper anywhere.

With that the Piper winked and the children were gone.

For Reflection:
Have you seen Andrew Lloyd Weber's Phantom of the Opera? There are many references to the Seduction of Music in the song lyrics, and at one point Christina is lulled away from safety by the music.