What is the storyline of The Magic Flute?

One of the greatest operas ever written, Mozart’s timeless classic concerns the search for truth and reason, love and enlightenment. It follows the adventures of Prince Tamino and the bird-catcher Papageno on their quest to rescue Pamina.

What is the melody of The Magic Flute?

As was typical for the time, The Magic Flute opens with an instrumental overture. The approximately 5-7 minute overture that you will hear is an arrangement of Mozart’s symphonic D major overture and is played by a wind octet of oboes, clarinets, bassoons, and horns.

What do the ladies make Papageno promise so he can speak again?

The three ladies give the Prince a magic flute which will protect him if he finds himself in danger. They promise Papageno that he, too, will find a lovely wife for himself if he goes with Tamino. They take off his padlock and give him a set of magic bells which will help him if he is in danger.

Why is The Magic Flute important?

The Magic Flute is noted for its prominent Masonic elements. Schikaneder and Mozart were Masons and lodge brothers, as was Ignaz Alberti, engraver and printer of the first libretto. The opera is also influenced by Enlightenment philosophy, and can be regarded as an allegory advocating enlightened absolutism.

Who gives Tamino The Magic Flute?

The ladies give a magic flute to Tamino and silver bells to Papageno to ensure their safety on the journey and appoint three spirits to guide them.

What does the flute symbolize in The Magic Flute?

The Magic Flute has been described as “an Enlightenment allegory, veiled in Masonic ritual.” The story, founded on a fable by Wieland, is based upon circumstances connected with the mysterious worship of Isis, the deity of the ancient Egyptians.

What is the plot of The Magic Flute?

The plot of The Magic Flute is more akin to a fairy tale: a noble prince is ordered by the mysterious Queen of the Night to rescue a beautiful princess who has been kidnapped. The Magic Flute, first performed in 1791 in a suburban Viennese theatre,…

What is the story behind The Magic Flute?

The Magic Flute is an adaptation of the legend “The Pied Piper of Hamlin”, and tells the story of a happy village which is suddenly struck by a rat infestation.

What are the names of the characters in The Magic Flute?

Under the baton of Maestro James Levine , a winning ensemble cast – including Nathan Gunn, Ying Huang, Matthew Polenzani, Erika Miklosa, and René Pape – brings fresh life to Mozart’s timeless fairy tale.

Why did Mozart write The Magic Flute?

Mozart wrote The Magic Flute because he had become close friends with some of the major players in a Vienna theatrical organization.