The Magic Flute, also known as Die Zauberflöte, is an opera composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It is one of Mozart's most popular and frequently performed operas since its premiere in 1791. The opera is written in two acts and is known for its mix of comedy, drama, and mystical elements. The story of The Magic Flute follows a prince named Tamino who is on a mission to rescue a princess named Pamina from the evil Queen of the Night. Tamino is given a magic flute to aid him in his quest, but soon learns that things are not as they seem. Along the way, he encounters a bird catcher named Papageno, who becomes his comedic sidekick and ally.
ACT II
Listen to Pittsburgh Opera General Director Christopher Hahn give a brief synopsis of The Magic Flute featuring excerpts from Pittsburgh Opera s 2013 production with Antony Walker conducting the Pittsburgh Opera Orchestra. Seidel Asst Stage Manager- Hannah Nathan Scenic Designer - John Pollard Costume Designer - Leslie Bernstein Projection Designer - Doug Provost Lighting Designer - Andrew Ostrowski Wig and Make-up Designer - James Geier Head of Music Assistant Conductor - Glenn Lewis Chorus Master - Mark Trawka Associate Coach Pianist - James Lesniak Asst Stage Director - Kaley Karis Smith.
Along the way, he encounters a bird catcher named Papageno, who becomes his comedic sidekick and ally. Throughout the opera, Mozart incorporates a mix of catchy melodies, memorable arias, and intricate ensemble pieces. The music is known for its beauty and lyricism, showcasing Mozart's mastery of composition.
How The Magic Flute Inspired Maurice Sendak and Isabella Stewart Gardner
Learn why Isabella Stewart Gardner and Maurice Sendak loved and were inspired by Mozart’s famed opera, The Magic Flute.
written by Diana Seave Greenwald, Assistant Curator of the Collection published on July 5th, 2022 4 minute readWolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s The Magic Flute (1791) held a special place in Isabella Stewart Gardner and talented author and illustrator Maurice Sendak’s hearts, and has a long history in the city of Boston. The overture to the opera opened the dedicatory concert for the Boston Music Hall in 1852. The city saw its first full staging of the opera in 1860—the same year Isabella married Jack and moved to New England. That production came from New York City after a run at the Academy of Music. In fact, the opera was staged just a few blocks from Isabella’s childhood home. Gardner and The Magic Flute arrived in Boston at the same moment.
Mozart: The Magic Flute - Overture (Benjamin Zander - Boston Philharmonic Orchestra)
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Written shortly before the Austrian composer’s death at the age of 35, the opera (technically a Singspiel) follows the quest of Prince Tamino and his sidekick Papageno. As they seek to rescue Pamina, the beautiful daughter of the Queen of the Night, who has been kidnapped by the mystical high priest Sarastro. With their magic flute and bells, Tamino and Papageno ultimately save Pamina, and their ordeals lead them to develop a deeper understanding of true love and happiness.
The characters traverse a series of fantastical landscapes and settings on their journey. This connection between The Magic Flute—also often referred to by its German name Die Zauberflöte—and magical worlds appealed to both Sendak and Gardner. Isabella chose the overture to the opera as one of the pieces to be played on the opening night of her museum in January 1903. For Sendak, The Magic Flute was an overture to his career as an opera designer: it was one of the first productions he designed, debuting at the Houston Opera in 1980.
Maurice Sendak, Design for Temple of the Sun backdrop, finale II, 1979–80, Watercolor and graphite pencil on paper on board
© Maurice Sendak Foundation, The Morgan Library & Museum, Bequest of Maurice Sendak, 2013, 2013.104:124. Photography by Graham S. Haber
Zoe Chessa+: First Spirit
The Magic Flute also features a wide range of vocal techniques, from tender and emotional songs to virtuosic coloratura passages. Aside from its captivating music, The Magic Flute is also famous for its allegorical themes and symbolic imagery. The opera explores concepts of enlightenment, virtue, and the search for truth. The characters undergo trials and tests, symbolizing their personal growth and transformation. The Magic Flute has been praised for its universal appeal and has been performed in various adaptations around the world. It continues to be considered one of Mozart's greatest masterpieces and remains a staple in the opera repertoire. Its enchanting story, beautiful music, and timeless themes make The Magic Flute a true gem in the world of opera..
Reviews for "Analyzing the Dramatic Structure of Psk's "The Magic Flute"
1. Emily - 2 stars - I was really excited to see "Psk the Magic Flute" as I had heard great things about it, but unfortunately, I was very disappointed. The storyline was confusing and hard to follow, and the characters were not developed enough for me to care about them. The music was also underwhelming, and I found myself bored throughout the performance. Overall, I was expecting much more from this production and left feeling unsatisfied.
2. Michael - 1 star - I attended "Psk the Magic Flute" with high hopes, but it ended up being a complete letdown. The set design was lackluster and unimaginative, and the costumes were unappealing. The acting was subpar, and I found it hard to connect with any of the characters. The music was not memorable and failed to evoke any emotion in me. I would not recommend this production to anyone looking for an enjoyable theater experience.
3. Sarah - 2 stars - I had heard so many positive things about "Psk the Magic Flute," but it did not live up to the hype for me. The plot was convoluted and hard to understand, and the pacing felt off. The actors seemed disengaged, and their performances lacked energy. Additionally, the staging felt disjointed, making it difficult to fully immerse myself in the story. Overall, I was disappointed by this production and would not attend another performance of "Psk the Magic Flute."
4. John - 1 star - "Psk the Magic Flute" was one of the most underwhelming performances I have ever seen. The production lacked coherence, and I found myself struggling to grasp the intent behind the scenes. The vocal performances of the actors were subpar, with many missed notes and lack of emotion. The whole experience felt disjointed and left me feeling confused and unsatisfied. I would not recommend this production to anyone looking for a quality theatrical experience.
5. Megan - 2 stars - I had high expectations for "Psk the Magic Flute" based on its reputation, but it fell short for me. The storyline was confusing and hard to follow, and I found myself losing interest halfway through. The acting was lackluster, with performances that lacked depth and emotion. The music was forgettable, and I left the performance feeling underwhelmed. Overall, I was disappointed by this production and would not recommend it to others.