Die Zauberflöte
Magic, comedy and philosophy are blended in Mozart’s delightful opera The Magic Flute, brought vividly to life by David McVicar.
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Introduction
Prince Tamino promises the Queen of the Night that he will rescue her daughter Pamina from the enchanter Sarastro. He begins his quest, accompanied by the bird catcher Papageno, but all is not as it initially seems…
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Background
Mozart wrote Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute) for a suburban theatre in Vienna, the Theater auf der Wieden, and drew on the magical spectacle and earthy comedy of popular Viennese theatre. As well as being a comedy, Die Zauberflöte is an expression of Mozart’s most profound spiritual beliefs. Enlightenment concerns with the search for wisdom and virtue are also at the heart of the tale. Die Zauberflöte was an instant success with audiences and Mozart’s supposed rival Salieri described it as an ‘operone’ – a great opera.
David McVicar’s classic production embraces both the seriousness and comedy of Mozart’s work. The audience is transported to a fantastical world of dancing animals, flying machines and dazzlingly starry skies. The setting provides a wonderful backdrop for Mozart’s kaleidoscopic score, from the Queen of the Night’s coloratura fireworks to Tamino and Pamina’s lyrical love duets and Papageno’s robust, folksong-like arias.
Running time
About 3 hours | Including interval. Part One will last for about 1 hour 10 minutes followed by an interval of 25 minutes. Part Two will last for about 1 hour 30 minutes.
Language
Sung in German with English surtitles
Credits
| Director | David McVicar |
| Designs | John Macfarlane |
| Lighting designs | Paule Constable |
| Choreography | Leah Hausman |
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Related links
- www.telegraph.co.uk The opera novice: Mozart's The Magic Flute
- en.wikipedia.org Wikipedia: Die Zauberflöte
