Mozart: Die Zauberflöte/The Magic Flute | Deutekom, Gedda, Fischer-Dieskau - Stein, Ustinov (1971)

Composer: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Librettist: Emanuel Schikaneder
Premiere: 30 September 1791, Vienna
Language: German
Subtitles: English, Italian (Click on CC)
Synopsis: https://www.opera-arias.com/mozart/die-zauberflote/synopsis/

Cast & Production:
Tamino - Nicolai Gedda
Papageno - William Workman
Königin der Nacht - Cristina Deutekom
Sprecher - Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau
Pamina - Edith Mathis
Sarastro - Hans Sotin
Papagena - Carol Malone
1er Geharnischter - Helmut Melchert
2er Geharnischter - Kurt Moll

Hamburgische Staatsoper Orchestra & Chorus
Conductor: Horst Stein
Stage Director: Peter Ustinov
rec. 1971

The Magic Flute (German: Die Zauberflöte) is an opera in two acts by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart to a German libretto by Emanuel Schikaneder. The work is in the form of a Singspiel, a popular form during the time it was written that included both singing and spoken dialogue. The work premiered on 30 September 1791 at Schikaneder's theatre, the Freihaus-Theater auf der Wieden in Vienna, just two months before the composer's death. It was the last opera that Mozart composed. The opera was an outstanding success from its first performances, and remains a staple of the opera repertory to this day.

The libretto for The Magic Flute, written by Schikaneder, is thought by scholars to be based on many sources. Some works of literature current in Vienna in Schikaneder's day that may have served as sources include the medieval romance Yvain by Chrétien de Troyes, the novel Life of Sethos by Jean Terrasson, and the essay "On the mysteries of the Egyptians" by Ignaz von Born. The libretto is also a natural continuation of a series of fairy tale operas produced at the time by Schikaneder's troupe. Especially for the role of Papageno, the libretto draws on the Hanswurst tradition of the Viennese popular theatre. Many scholars also acknowledge an influence of Freemasonry.

The Magic Flute appears to have two references to the music of Antonio Salieri. The first is that the Papageno–Papagena duet is similar to the Cucuzze cavatina in Salieri's Prima la musica e poi le parole. Both are centred around musical-textual playfulness with humorous bird-like utterances of pseudo-Italian words.he Magic Flute also echoes Salieri's music in that Papageno's whistle is based on a motif borrowed from Salieri's Concerto for Clavicembalo in B-flat major.

Die Zauberflöte Synopsis
ACT I: Prince Tamino is rescued from a monster by the Three Ladies of the Queen of the Night, but the birdcatcher Papageno takes the credit. As a punishment for lying, the Ladies padlock his mouth. They then give Tamino a painting of the Queen's abducted daughter Pamina. Falling in love with her image, he sets out to rescue her. The Queen promises that if he succeeds, she will agree to their marriage. Tamino is given a magic flute, Papageno some magic bells, and together they journey to Sarastro's palace, where Pamina is being held. Papageno's blundering arrival inadvertently saves Pamina from being attacked by Monostatos, a moor in the service of Sarastro. Papageno and Pamina leave in search of Tamino, who has arrived at a temple whose priest informs him that it is the Queen and not Sarastro who is evil. Papageno and Pamina are confronted by Monostatos and his slaves, but, using the bells, they manage to escape. Pamina and Tamino finally meet, and immediately fall in love.

ACT II: Tamino and Papageno are told they have to undergo a series of trials if they are to be accepted into the brotherhood of the temple. The first being a period of silence. While Pamina is asleep, Monostatos again approaches, but is warded off by the Queen, who gives her daughter a dagger and tells her that she can only regain her power if Sarastro is killed. Monostatos is once more forcing himself on Pamina when Sarastro enters. He knows of the Queen's plans but reminds Monostatos that the brotherhood is bound by love. Papageno is given a fleeting glimpse of his ideal mate, Papagena, but is warned that he will be denied her if he fails in his trials. Pamina is taken to Tamino, and together they undergo trials by fire and water. Aided by the magic flute, they pass through safely. Papageno is united with Papagena, despite his failure to maintain silence. The Queen, the Three Ladies and Monostatos are engulfed by a clap of thunder and the remainder of the cast celebrate the victory of light over darkness.