CCLXXV. MOZART, Wolfgang Amadeus (1756-1791)
In 1780, Emanuel Schikaneder's theatrical troupe made an extended stay in Salzburg, where he met the Mozart family. The family rarely missed a performance, and became close with the actor/impressario in Sunday sessions of Bölzlschiessen (dart shooting).
If you've seen Amadeus, you know the details. Forman smudged a few -- like the dictation of the Requiem to Salieri; if there was any dictation it was probably to his pupil, Franz Xaver Süssmayr.
But the composer -- he would be dead in a matter of months -- worked furiously on this singspiel, which is quite different from his mainstay Italian operas.
Also, if you want a real treat, watch Ingmar Bergman's version in Swedish (1975), available on the Criterion Channel.
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Overture (0:02:33)
The somber fanfare-like opening (note the addition of three trombones which thickens the texture!) soon gives away to a spirited fugal section which sounds like joyful jumping. He then returns to the fanfare and again the fugue, now briefly in minor. He decorates the subject, injects some notes of dark intrigue, and ends triumphantly.
Tamino is lost and being pursued by a giant serpent. (Help me! Help me!)
Three ladies -- attendants of the Queen of the Night -- appear and sing "Stirb, Ungeheuer, durch uns're Macht!" (Die, monster, by our might!) (0:08:25). They kill the monster and then argue about who should lay claim to this handsome man (who has fainted!) ... they leave, Tamino awakens, but hides when he hears someone coming ...
2. Arie. (Papageno). Der Vogelfänger bin ich ja (0:15:56)
Three ladies -- attendants of the Queen of the Night -- appear and sing "Stirb, Ungeheuer, durch uns're Macht!" (Die, monster, by our might!) (0:08:25). They kill the monster and then argue about who should lay claim to this handsome man (who has fainted!) ... they leave, Tamino awakens, but hides when he hears someone coming ...
2. Arie. (Papageno). Der Vogelfänger bin ich ja (0:15:56)
The birdcatcher am I
And always merry, tra-la-la
As the birdcatcher I am known
By old and young throughout the land
Tamino awakes, surprisingly alive ... Papageno enters and sings joyfully about his profession, complaining -- however -- that he has no wife or girlfriend. (He also mimes playing his pan flute, performed by a piccolo):
Thinking this strange fellow has killed the serpent, Papageno happily takes credit. The three ladies reappear and padlock his mouth for lying. They give Tamino a portrait of the Queen of the Night's daughter, Pamina, with whom Tamino instantly falls in love.
3. Arie. (Tamino) Dies Bildnis ist bezaubernd schön (0:21:50)
And always merry, tra-la-la
As the birdcatcher I am known
By old and young throughout the land
Thinking this strange fellow has killed the serpent, Papageno happily takes credit. The three ladies reappear and padlock his mouth for lying. They give Tamino a portrait of the Queen of the Night's daughter, Pamina, with whom Tamino instantly falls in love.
3. Arie. (Tamino) Dies Bildnis ist bezaubernd schön (0:21:50)
This image is enchantingly beautiful
4. Arie. (Königin der Nacht) O zittre nicht, mein lieber Sohn! (0:26:12)
Pamina has been kidnapped by Sarastro. The Queen of the Night appears:
O tremble not, beloved son
You are guiltless, wise and good
A youth such as you can best console
This overburdened maternal heart
5. Quintett. (Papageno, Tamino, Drei Damen) Hm! hm! hm! (0:31:03)
O tremble not, beloved son
You are guiltless, wise and good
A youth such as you can best console
This overburdened maternal heart
5. Quintett. (Papageno, Tamino, Drei Damen) Hm! hm! hm! (0:31:03)
PAPAGENO
(pointing sadly to the padlock on his mouth)
Hm! hm! hm! hm!
TAMINO
The poor fellow can well speak of punishment
when it has robbed him of the power of speech!
PAPAGENO
Hm! hm! hm! hm!
TAMINO
I can do nothing but sympathise,
for I am powerless to help!
FIRST LDAY
The Queen has had mercy on you,
And she sent me to release you. --
(She takes the padlock from Papageno's mouth.)
PAPAGENO
Now Papageno can chatter again!
SECOND LADY
Chatter yes -- but never lie again!
PAPAGENO
I will never tell another lie, no, never!
LADIES
Let this lock be a warning to you!
PAPAGENO
Let that lock be a warning to me!
ALL
If only every liar had
A lock like this upon his mouth:
Then would hate, calumny and rancour
Be replaced by love and brotherhood!
(pointing sadly to the padlock on his mouth)
Hm! hm! hm! hm!
TAMINO
The poor fellow can well speak of punishment
when it has robbed him of the power of speech!
PAPAGENO
Hm! hm! hm! hm!
TAMINO
I can do nothing but sympathise,
for I am powerless to help!
FIRST LDAY
The Queen has had mercy on you,
And she sent me to release you. --
(She takes the padlock from Papageno's mouth.)
PAPAGENO
Now Papageno can chatter again!
SECOND LADY
Chatter yes -- but never lie again!
PAPAGENO
I will never tell another lie, no, never!
LADIES
Let this lock be a warning to you!
PAPAGENO
Let that lock be a warning to me!
ALL
If only every liar had
A lock like this upon his mouth:
Then would hate, calumny and rancour
Be replaced by love and brotherhood!
The ladies give Tamino a magic flute which can turn sorrow into joy; and to Papageno magic bells for protection, telling him to go with Tamino to rescue Pamina.
6. Terzett. (Pamina, Monostatos, Papageno) Du feines Täubchen (0:38:05)
6. Terzett. (Pamina, Monostatos, Papageno) Du feines Täubchen (0:38:05)
Pamina has tried to escape. Monostatos -- chief of the slaves -- chains her up. Papageno, sent ahead by Tamino, tells Pamina of Tamino's love for her.
My fine little dove, step inside.
7. Duett. (Pamina, Papageno) Bei Männern welche Liebe fühlen (0:42:09)
A man who can feel love
Must have a good heart
8. Finale. (Drei Knaben, Tamino, Priester, Papageno, Pamina, Monostatos, Sarastro, Chor der Selaven) Zum Ziele führt dich diese Bahn (0:45:15)
THE THREE BOYS
This path will lead you to your goal,
But, youth, you must strive like a man.
So give heed to our teaching:
Be steadfast, patient and discreet!
TAMINO
Gracious boys, tell me first:
Shall I be able to rescue Pamina?
THE BOYS
That we may not divulge.
Be steadfast, patient and discreet;
Remember this; in short, be a man --
Then, youth, you will strive manfully.
Tamino and Papageno play their magical instruments, and Sarastro tries to explain to Pamina why she's been kidnapped.
This path will lead you to your goal,
But, youth, you must strive like a man.
So give heed to our teaching:
Be steadfast, patient and discreet!
TAMINO
Gracious boys, tell me first:
Shall I be able to rescue Pamina?
THE BOYS
That we may not divulge.
Be steadfast, patient and discreet;
Remember this; in short, be a man --
Then, youth, you will strive manfully.
Tamino and Papageno play their magical instruments, and Sarastro tries to explain to Pamina why she's been kidnapped.
Arie. (Tamino) Wie stark ist nicht dein Zauberton (0:54:00)
How powerful is your magic music,
Sweet flute, for when you sound
Sweet flute, for when you sound
Swift steps, ready courage
Protect us from the craft of and rage of enemies
Protect us from the craft of and rage of enemies
Chor. (Monostatos, Chor der Selaven) Das klinget so herrlich (0:58:58)
Papageno plays his glockenspiel:
That sounds so fine
Chor. (Papageno, Pamina, Monostatos, Chor von innen) Es lebe Sarastro! (1:00:26)
Long live Sarastro!
If virtue and justice
Pave the Great Path with honour,
Then earth will be a paradise
And mortals resemble gods.
Pave the Great Path with honour,
Then earth will be a paradise
And mortals resemble gods.
Act II
9. Marsch der Priester (1:09:08)
Sarastro and his Priests enter in stately procession, carrying palm fronds; when they have taken their positions they sound three blasts on their trumpets. Sarasto announces that he has sponsored the initiation of Tamino into their order to strengthen it against the wicked ambitions of the Queen of the Night. The Prince's virtue will be rewarded with the hand of the Queen's own daughter, whom Sarastro has taken captive.
10. Arie mit Chor. (Sarastro, Chor.) O Isis und Osiris (1:14:52)
10. Arie mit Chor. (Sarastro, Chor.) O Isis und Osiris (1:14:52)
O Isis and Osiris, grant the spirit of
Wisdom to the new-formed couple!
Direct the Wanderer's steps to them,
Strengthen them with patience when in peril.
11. Duett. (Zwei Priester) Bewahret euch vor Weibertücken (1:20:15)
Wisdom to the new-formed couple!
Direct the Wanderer's steps to them,
Strengthen them with patience when in peril.
11. Duett. (Zwei Priester) Bewahret euch vor Weibertücken (1:20:15)
Keep yourselves from women's tricks.
Undergoing their initiation trials, Tamino and Papageno are forbidden to speak. The three ladies appear and try to frighten them.
12. Quintett. (Drei Damen, Tamino, Papageno, Chor.) Wie? Ihr an diesem Schreckensort (1:21:15)Undergoing their initiation trials, Tamino and Papageno are forbidden to speak. The three ladies appear and try to frighten them.
What? What? Why are you in this frightful place?
Never! never! never! will you escape from it alive!
Tamino! Your doom is sealed!
Papageno, all hope for you is lost!
Never! never! never! will you escape from it alive!
Tamino! Your doom is sealed!
Papageno, all hope for you is lost!
13. Arie. (Monostatos) Alles fühlt der Liebe Freuden (1:25:48)
Every creature feels the joy of love,
And bill and coo and hug and kiss --
But I must forego love
And bill and coo and hug and kiss --
But I must forego love
Monostatos gazes upon the sleeping Pamina; he's about to kiss her when the Queen of the Night appears. He retreats.
Pamina confesses her love for Tamino to her mother, who is not pleased. She gives her daughter a dagger with which to kill Sarastro.
Pamina confesses her love for Tamino to her mother, who is not pleased. She gives her daughter a dagger with which to kill Sarastro.
14. Arie. (Königin der Nacht) Der Hölle Rache kocht in meinem Herzen (1:28:49)
Note the high F's! (Brava, Ms. Rancatore) ...
Hell's vengeance seethes in my heart;
The flames of death and despair engulf me!
If Sarasto dies not by your hand,
You will be my daughter no more.
Forever repudiated, forever abandoned,
Forever destroyed be all the ties of nature
If Sarastro's blood is not shed by your hand!
You will be my daughter no more.
If Sarasto dies not by your hand,
You will be my daughter no more.
Forever repudiated, forever abandoned,
Forever destroyed be all the ties of nature
If Sarastro's blood is not shed by your hand!
You will be my daughter no more.
15. Arie. (Sarastro) In diesen heil'gen Hallen (1:32:53)
Within these sacred halls
Revenge has no place
Revenge has no place
16. Terzett. (Drei Knaben) Seid uns zum zweitenmal willkommen (1:39:50)
THE BOYS
Welcome for the second time
You mortals, in Sarastro's realm!
He send you what was taken from you,
Your flute and your chime of bells
Welcome for the second time
You mortals, in Sarastro's realm!
He send you what was taken from you,
Your flute and your chime of bells
Pamina tries to speak with Tamino, but he can't answer her because he's been sworn to silence. She despairs:
Ah, I feel that the joy of love
Has gone for evermore!
Never will happiness
Return to my heart!
See, Tamino, see these tears
Ah, I feel that the joy of love
Has gone for evermore!
Never will happiness
Return to my heart!
See, Tamino, see these tears
18. Chor der Priester. O Isis und Osiris (1:47:03)
O Isis and Osiris! What delight!
The dark night retreats from the light of the sun --
Soon will the noble youth experience a new life
Soon will he be wholly dedicated to our Order.
His spirit is bold, his heart is pure,
Soon he will be worthy of us.
The dark night retreats from the light of the sun --
Soon will the noble youth experience a new life
Soon will he be wholly dedicated to our Order.
His spirit is bold, his heart is pure,
Soon he will be worthy of us.
Sarastro tells the lovers to bid each other farewell, for the trials ahead of them may part them forever:
PAMINA
Shall I, beloved, never see you again?
20. Arie. (Papageno) Ein Mädchen oder Weibchen (1:54:32)
Shall I, beloved, never see you again?
20. Arie. (Papageno) Ein Mädchen oder Weibchen (1:54:32)
Papageno wants a wife. An old woman appears and he promises to marry her (muttering under his breath that he'll wait until something better comes along). She is transformed into a younger Papagena -- but the priests still refuse to let them embrace.
A sweet heart or a wife
Is what Papageno wants!
Oh, a soft little dove
Would be bliss!
Then food and drink would be pleasant
And I could match wits with a prince
Enjoy life as much as a sage
And think myself in Heaven!
A sweet heart or a wife
Is what Papageno wants!
Oh, a soft little dove
Would be bliss!
Then food and drink would be pleasant
And I could match wits with a prince
Enjoy life as much as a sage
And think myself in Heaven!
21. Terzett. (Drei Knaben) Bald prangt, den Morgen zu verkünden (2:00:25)
The boys try to reassure Papageno.
The sun, the splendid herald of the morn
Will soon set off upon his golden course
Soon will doubts disappear
Soon the wise man will triumph
O sweet contentment, descend upon us
Return to human hearts
Then earth shall be a paradise
And mortals be like gods
The sun, the splendid herald of the morn
Will soon set off upon his golden course
Soon will doubts disappear
Soon the wise man will triumph
O sweet contentment, descend upon us
Return to human hearts
Then earth shall be a paradise
And mortals be like gods
21. Arie/Quartet. (Pamina, Drei Knaben) Du also bist mein Bräutigam (2:02:19)
and now Pamina, who threatens to kill herself with the dagger:
PAMINA
You will, then, be my bridegroom
With you I shall end my grief!
THE BOYS (aside)
What did those sinister words portend?
The poor girl is close to madness!
PAMINA
Patience, beloved, I am yours
And soon we shall be wed!
THE BOYS
Madness rages in her brain
Suicide is write in her face
(to Pamina)
Dear maiden, look at us!
PAMINA
I mean to die -- for the man,
Whom I could never leave, never hate
Was able to leave his dear one!
(showing them the dagger)
My mother gave me this
THE BOYS
God will punish your suicide!
PAMINA
You will, then, be my bridegroom
With you I shall end my grief!
THE BOYS (aside)
What did those sinister words portend?
The poor girl is close to madness!
PAMINA
Patience, beloved, I am yours
And soon we shall be wed!
THE BOYS
Madness rages in her brain
Suicide is write in her face
(to Pamina)
Dear maiden, look at us!
PAMINA
I mean to die -- for the man,
Whom I could never leave, never hate
Was able to leave his dear one!
(showing them the dagger)
My mother gave me this
THE BOYS
God will punish your suicide!
22. Quartet (Two Armoured Men, Tamino, Pamina) Der, welcher wandert diese Strasse voll Beschwerden (2:06:30)
The men promise enlightenment to those who successfully overcome the fear of death. [This is set in the form of a chorale prelude, to a tune from the hymn Ach Gott, vom Himmel sieh darein.
23. Quartet (Two Armoured Men, Tamino, Pamina) Tamino mein, o welch ein Glück (2:11:03)
Pamina gives Tamino the magic flute to help him through the trials.
O, what luck, my Tamino!
O, what luck, my Tamino!
24. Duett/Chor. (Tamino, Pamina, Unseen choir) Wir wander durch Feuersgluten! (2:14:48)
We passed through the glowing fire!
25. Arie. (Papageno, Drei Knaben) Papagena! Papagena! Papagena! (2:18:21)
Now it's Papageno's turn to consider suicide. The boys stop him. He plays his flute and Papagena appears.
26. Duett. (Papageno, Papagena) Pa... pa... pa... (2:23:40)
Finally -- the happy couple!
27. Quintett. (Drei Damen, Königin der Nacht, Monostatos) Nur stille, stille (2:26:27)
The bad guys unite in an attempt to destroy the Temple.
Just quiet, quiet!
Just quiet, quiet!
28. Arie/Chor. Die Strahlen der Sonne (2:28:33)
SARASTRO
The rays of the sun
Chase night away
The hypocrite's surreptitious power
Is utterly destroyed!
CHORUS
Hail to the initiates!
You have penetrated the darkness
Thanks be to thee, Osiris!
Thanks to thee, Isis!
Fortitude is victorious
And in reward
Crowns Beauty and Wisdom
With its eternal diadem!
The rays of the sun
Chase night away
The hypocrite's surreptitious power
Is utterly destroyed!
CHORUS
Hail to the initiates!
You have penetrated the darkness
Thanks be to thee, Osiris!
Thanks to thee, Isis!
Fortitude is victorious
And in reward
Crowns Beauty and Wisdom
With its eternal diadem!
See also Freemasonry.
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