Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

Die Zauberflöte, K.620

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

€12.5

details

€17.5

details

€17.5

details

About this work

Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute), K. 620, is a beloved opera from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, composed in 1791. It is a Singspiel, a genre that blends spoken dialogue with musical numbers, and is celebrated for its blend of fairy tale elements, allegorical depth, and Masonic symbolism. Quite possibly, Mozart would have written a musical if the genre already existed in his time.

The opera tells the story of Prince Tamino, who is tasked with rescuing Princess Pamina from the clutches of the high priest Sarastro. Along the way, he is joined by the comical bird-catcher Papageno, and both characters undergo trials that test their virtue, wisdom, and courage. At its core, the opera juxtaposes the forces of darkness and light, symbolizing the triumph of reason and enlightenment over ignorance and chaos.

With a libretto by Emanuel Schikaneder, "Die Zauberflöte" contains a mix of fantastical and spiritual elements. Its iconic arias, such as the Queen of the Night's fiery "Der Hölle Rache" and the serene "O Isis und Osiris," remain some of the most challenging and admired in the operatic repertoire.

Mozart’s music in this opera is masterfully varied, showcasing his gift for character development and emotional expression through music. Despite its playful and magical surface, "Die Zauberflöte" also reflects deeper philosophical and Masonic themes, echoing ideas of wisdom, brotherhood, and enlightenment that resonated in Mozart’s time.

This opera continues to captivate audiences worldwide, bridging the gap between entertainment and profound moral reflection, making it a timeless treasure in the world of opera.

Anecdote

Mozart’s friend, Emanuel Schikaneder, wrote the libretto and played Papageno at the premiere. Their friendship and humour influenced the opera's playful tone, with Mozart adding melodies to reflect Schikaneder’s less polished singing style, making Papageno a lovable, humorous character.

This concerto contains the following movements:

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