Operas -
THE MAGIC FLUTE (Die Zauberflöte)
BY W.A. MOZART
SETTING: ANCIENT EGYPT
Act I
Scene 1: a monstrous serpent menaces Tamino, a Javanese hunter traveling in a strange country. Calling for help, he collapses in terror. In a blinding flash, Three Ladies appear and slay the serpent. They observe Tamino's inert form and comment on his handsome face and figure. They argue as to who will be elected to stay and guard him, but soon all three disappear into the distance as Tamino revives. Hearing someone approaching, Tamino quickly hides as Papageno, the bird-catcher, comes into view. Curious to meet this birdman, Tamino comes forward and speaks with him. Papageno reveals that he catches birds for the Queen of the Night and brags that he has the strength of a giant. When Tamino asks if he killed the serpent, Papageno nervously takes the credit. The Three Ladies appear once more and take Papageno's birds, giving him only water to drink and a stone for food. They lock his mouth shut so that he will not lie to strangers. Revealing that they also serve the Queen, they admit to killing the serpent. Giving Tamino a portrait of Pamina, the Queen's lovely daughter, they offer him a chance at honor and fame. Tamino is hopelessly smitten with love for the beautiful girl in the portrait. Returning, The Ladies relate Pamina's abduction by the sorcerer, Sarastro, and request that Tamino find and save her, to which he readily agrees. Suddenly, the sky darkens and rocks split apart to reveal the powerful Queen of the Night who promises to grant Tamino her daughter's hand if he will find and return her to her mother. When the Queen departs, the Ladies remove the padlock from Papageno's mouth and bestow a magic flute into Tamino's hand. To Papageno they give a set of magic bells and commission him to be Tamino's companion on the quest to find Pamina. At first, Papageno is afraid to go into Sarastro's realm, but finally agrees to accompany his new friend. Before departing, The Ladies introduce Three Spirits to act as guides to Pamina.
Scene 2: Among deserted ruins, slaves of Sarastro, prepare a place for the servant, Monostatos, to be alone with Pamina, whom he has captured trying to run away. Monostatos' overwhelming desire for the girl has compelled him to secrete her in a quiet place away from Sarastro's presence. Suddenly, Papageno just happens to stumble by and foils Monostatos' evil plans. Terrified, Papageno flees with Pamina into the forest with slaves in hot pursuit. After losing Monostatos, Papageno introduces himself to Pamina and explains that he and Tamino have come to rescue her. She is delighted and follows Papageno to find Tamino.
Scene 3: Meanwhile, the Three Spirits have led Tamino to a forest grove where the entrances to Three Temples stand. One door is marked Temple of Reason, another Temple of Nature, and the center one, Temple of Wisdom. Tamino tries to enter the side doors, but is warned away by strange voices. As he bravely knocks at the Temple of Wisdom, a Priest appears and informs Tamino that the Queen and Three Ladies have misled him and now he must learn the truth. Sarastro has indeed removed Pamina from her mother's presence, but only for her own safety. Before departing, the Speaker tells Tamino that he cannot reveal Pamina's whereabouts until Tamino becomes a member of the Temple Brotherhood. In love and sadness, Tamino begins to play his magic flute. Forest animals gather around, and in the distance, Papageno hears and answers with his pipes. Happily, Papageno and Pamina make their way to the sound of the flute. Unfortunately, before they can reach Tamino, Monostatos and the slaves overtake them, but Papageno plays his magic bells to save them from harm. Without warning, trumpets signify the presence of the mighty Sarastro and his following of Priests. Pamina throws herself at Sarastro's feet, begging for mercy, which is granted. Still, he refuses to release her to her mother. Monostatos leads in Tamino and orders him to kneel before Sarastro. Tamino and Pamina meet at last and rush to embrace, but Monostatos separates them. The all-knowing Sarastro intervenes, ordering Monostatos to be punished for his crime against Pamina. He further orders Tamino and Papageno to be purified by trials and taken into the Temple. With faces covered, they are led away as the Priests praise the wisdom of their leader.
Act II
Scene 1: Sarastro and Priests assemble in the Temple to ask for guidance in determining the worthiness of Tamino and Papageno to withstand trials of purification. They petition the gods to protect and lead them to a glorious outcome.
Scene 2: Meanwhile, Tamino and Papageno find themselves in the dark subterranean caverns beneath the Temple where they are instructed to be patient and undertake a vow of silence. In the darkness, they are tempted by the Three Ladies, who appear and offer to help them escape the upcoming dangers. Although Papageno tries to leave Tamino, who remains steadfast, prevents him.
Scene 3: Above ground, Monostatos stealthily watches Pamina sleep in the moonlight. As he silently creeps nearer to the sleeping girl, the Queen of the Night appears in a flash of lightning and thunder. Monostatos slinks back into the night as the Queen embraces Pamina. The Queen asks about Tamino, but Pamina replies that he has joined the brotherhood. Despairingly, the Queen tells Pamina that her father gave the power of the Sun into Sarastro's keeping and the only hope for Pamina is to persuade Tamino to leave the Temple. When Pamina hesitates, reflecting on the goodness of her captors, the Queen furiously commands her daughter to restore the power of the Sun to her by murdering Sarastro or be disowned by her own mother. She places a dagger in Pamina's hand and vanishes into the fog of night. Monostatos, who has heard everything, rushes in and seizes the dagger. He then tries to blackmail Pamina into loving him, but when she refuses he tries to stab her. Suddenly, Sarastro appears and forever banishes the evil servant from his realm. Sarastro comforts Pamina with kind words of wisdom and forgiveness.
Scene 4: In the caves below, Tamino and Papageno silently endure their trials. Papageno wishes for a drink, and an old crone appears with water. Papageno breaks the silence to talk with her and is punished with loud thunder. Sarastro commands The Three Spirits to bring food. They also bring Tamino's magic flute and Papageno's magic bells. Tamino plays the flute and Pamina hears and follows it to find him. She entreats him to speak to her, but he will not break his vow of silence. She leaves in despair. Tamino hears the trumpet and turns to go, but Papageno, busily feasting, will not budge. Finally Tamino leaves and Papageno, frightened by Sarastro's lions, calls for help. Tamino returns to play the flute and the lions leave.
Scene 5: Together, Tamino and Papageno make their way toward the sound of the trumpet as Priests in the Temple above pray for their safety.
Scene 6: Soon, Pamina is again led in to see Tamino and Sarastro appears to allow one final word of farewell, but hints that the lovers may be reunited soon. Alone in the dark, Papageno is terrified. When asked for his fondest wish, he requests a glass of wine, which is promptly granted. However, he reveals that his greatest wish is for a wife, someone like him who will share his life. The old woman reappears and offers him her hand, which he refuses. She then tells him she is his only chance to escape his prison, and he reluctantly takes her offer. Magically, she is transformed into an beautiful maiden. Delighted, Papageno tries to embrace her, but the Priests intervene and prevent him saying he is not yet worthy.
Scene 7: Meanwhile, the Three Spirits prevent a despairing Pamina from taking her own life, promising to lead her to her beloved if she will only have courage.
Scene 8: Soon Tamino must undergo trials of fire and water in a dark cavern guarded by two men in armor. Pamina finds him and courageously joins him in the dangerous trials as the lovers are reunited at last. Tamino leads Pamina through the caverns of fire and water, and aided by the magic flute, they emerge unscathed and victorious.
Scene 9: Papageno, on the other hand, tries to hang himself in despair, but the Three Spirits arrive just in time to stop him. They urge him to have courage, be a man, and play his magic bells. He does so, and the Spirits bring the young maiden, Papagena to his side. Papageno and Papagena joyfully embrace and dream of a happy life together, which will include many children.
Scene 10: The Queen of the Night and her conspirators, Monostatos, and the Three Ladies, decide to make one final assault on the Temple of Wisdom to steal Pamina and the power of the Sun. In a blinding flash of light, they are swept away by the power of the Sun as a new day dawns. Sarastro appears with the Priests of Wisdom to crown the purified Tamino and Pamina with honor and glory. Papageno and Papagena look on proudly as the Three Spirits joyfully strew flowers into the morning sun.
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