The secrets of Mozart’s “Magic Flute”

Ritz sits sadly looking out of the window at the sky. Mr Down comes and apologies to him. Actually Ritz was going to watch a opera show with Mr Down, but due to office work Mr Down couldn’t make it on time.

Now Mr Down tries to make up for his mistake by telling Ritz about one of the most influential operas in history.

The Infamous ” Die Zauberflöte” or popularly known as ” The Magic Flute“.

Contents

About

The Magic Fluteis an opera in two acts by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The work is in the form of a Singspiel and was performed for the first time at a theatre in Vienna in 1791.

What’s a Singspiel- It’s a kind of folk opera with music and dialogue.

Synopsis

Tamino, a handsome prince was lost in a distant land and was being attacked by a Dragon. Just as the dragon was about to harm him, three strange ladies appeared at the site and killed the dragon. The three ladies summoned thier leader, Queen of night. She in turn sent Tamino to rescue her daughter Pamina from the clutches of evil sorcerer, Sarastro. To provide Tamino a helping hand she gave him a magic Flute.

Tamino finally met Pamina at Sarastro’s temple and saved her from him. But eventually they came to know that they were on the wrong side.

Queen of Night was a danger to the people. She wanted to fill the whole world with darkness. Sarastro gave Tamino a new quest; he had to undergo a series of trials to prove himself worthy of Pamina’s love.

Using the power of the magic flute, Tamino and Pamina  were able to overcome their trials and earn the right to be with each other. They finally restored balance in the kingdom.

Theme of the play

It is believed that major events in the play were inspired by Mozart’s involvement in Freemasonry.

The ideals like rationalism, socialism,humanism, skepticism and symbols of freemasonry are found throughout the play.

For example:

The Queen of the Night symbolises Maria Theresa,  Empress of Roman Empire.

Another example is the use of number 3, the structure of three represents balance to the freemasons. It is repeatedly used in the act. The number of witches, the number of trials , three doors.

The opera refrences the masonic rituals by opening three majestic chords. These notes also signify the mood of the act.

The first chord E flat major reflects the naive nature of Tamino.

The second chord C minor Highlights the confusion , doubt and sadness Tamino faces.

The third chord E triumphant profounds the way Tamino overcame the obstacles and restored harmony in the world.

The End:

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