The Magic flute
(The Magic Flute)

Opera performance adapted for children

The opera in two acts "The Enchanted Flute" premiered in Vienna, at the Freihaustheater, a popular theater, in 1791. Emanuel Schikaneder's libretto was inspired by the story "Lulu" by Liebeskind, published in the collection of oriental stories Dschinnistan in 1786. The work is considered the best creation of the genre singspiel, comic opera of German origin that uses spoken dialogue instead of recitative (sung dialogue). "The Enchanted Flute" is one of the most appreciated and sung operas in the world. The first staging was directed and conducted by the composer himself and was a resounding success. The author of the libretto was the performer of the role of Papageno. In 1792, a year after the absolute premiere, but also after Mozart's death, 100 performances were already celebrated.

Synopsis

Once upon a time there was a faraway land called the Dark Kingdom of the Queen of the Night. Prince Tamino arrived in this kingdom. A dragon rushed at him. The ladies of the Queen of the Night saved the handsome prince. Papageno, a strange bird hunter, tells him that he is the one who saved him. The three ladies, angry that Papageno lied, punish him by putting a lock on his mouth. They show Tamino a portrait of the beautiful Pamina, the daughter of the Night Queen, who has been kidnapped. Tamino immediately falls in love with Pamina and vows to save her. The Queen of the Night arrives, who tells her that Pamina has been kidnapped by Sarastro, her enemy, whom she describes as a tyrant and evil sorcerer. Tamino and Papageno, accompanied by three children, go on a mission. Tamino receives an enchanted flute, and Papageno enchanted bells, these two objects being destined to protect them.

Arriving in the land of the wise Sarastro, Tamino and Papageno try to find Pamina, who is guarded by Monostatos, a strange, brutal and evil Moor. Papageno tells Pamina that a charming young man, who has fallen in love with her face, will come to save her. They both set off in search of Tamino, but are caught by Monostatos. The enchanted bells that Papageno has, drive away the ugly guard. Sarastro's arrival is announced, and Pamina is forced to tell him the TRUTH: she wanted to leave the Land of Wisdom, to return to her mother, the Queen of the Night, whom she misses. Tamino appears guided by Monostatos.

Tamino and Pamina meet for the first time. Sarastro directs Tamino to the Temple of Wisdom, to convince himself, passing the test of silence, fire and water, if he is worthy of Pamina, whom he loves. While Pamina is resting, Monostatos wants to approach her to kiss her. He is interrupted by the Queen of the Night, who comes to destroy Sarastro's land. She gives Pamina a dagger, ordering her to kill Sarastro and bring him the Sun Disc that Sarastro wears on his chest. Pamina is terrified of what she has to do. The sage Sarastro catches Pamina's turmoil and forgives her, because in the Land of Wisdom there is no revenge and hatred. Tamino is persuaded to take a vow of silence. Accompanied by Papageno, he meets Pamina, but does not speak to her, to the surprise and sadness of the beautiful princess. Papageno is talkative and is happy to be able to talk to a nice old lady. After two dates, the old woman asks her to become his wife. Papageno, surprised and amused, accepts, not wanting to be alone all his life.

According to the promise she makes to the old woman, she turns into her dream wife, Papagena. Tamino and Pamina successfully pass the test of fire and water, being worthy to live in the world of Justice and Wisdom that belongs to Sarastro. The Queen of the Night, her attendants, and Monostatos make one last attempt to destroy Sarastro, but are met by thunder and lightning. Sarastro welcomes Tamino and Pamina to his country, true and deep love triumphs over evil, and courage, virtue and wisdom defeat the powers of darkness.