The Magic Flute

With Horst Gebhardt, Dieter Schloz, Inge Uibel, Magdalena Falewics and The Gewandhaus Orchestra conducted by Gert Banhner

The Magic Flute, written by Mozart shortly before his death at the age of 35, is often considered to be his finest opera. The glorious score combines simple German folk songs and classical operatic writing with brilliant effect

The Magic Flute is what the Germans call a “Singspiel” (a song play); which is a play with a great deal of singing similar to an operetta or musical comedy. Mixing German folk elements with subtle French orchestrations, and raucous Italian wit with spoken dialogue and cosmopolitan style, this opera showcases Mozart’s curious blend of sophistication and earthy humor.

Mozart and Schikaneder, who wrote the libretto, were both members of the same Masonic Lodge at a time when Freemasonry was officially frowned upon in Austria, as it was considered hostile to the Roman Catholic Church and even the state itself. With The Magic Flute, they saw their chance to showcase, on stage, the forbidden rituals, symbols and meaning of the Masonic movement. The story begins as a romantic fairy tale and though it later takes on serious religious significance, its intent was really only popular entertainment with songs and gags. It is a love story, highly moral, with good and evil personified on stage. With the Magic Flute itself able to help ward off wild animals, raging fires, and torrential waters, it suggests the workings of the supernatural amongst ordinary human beings.