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Mozart's The Magic Flute
Composed in the last year of Mozart's life, Die Zauberflöte (The Magic Flute) draws on elements of Freemasonry, with influences from the Enlightenment philosophy of the eighteenth century. Its libretto, by dramatist, director, singer and actor Emanuel Schikaneder (1751–1812), pits evil against good as Prince Tamino seeks the lovely Pamina (daughter of the evil Queen of the Night), who is held captive by the sorcerer Sarastro. Tamino takes with him a magic flute that will protect him on his journey and that has the power to turn sorrow into joy. The fantastical nature of Die Zauberflöte's story has attracted many noted artists to design productions, including Marc Chagall (1887–1985), who created sets and costumes for the Metropolitan Opera in 1967; bass Jerome Hines (1921–2003) is shown here in Chagall's costume for Sarastro. |