#music, Music for a Wednesday Morning in August: Mozart’s Magic Flute (By Special Request)

Today Featuring The Magic Flute

Mozart’s The Magic Flute (Die Zauberflöte) is a two-act opera blending magical fantasy, Enlightenment ideals, and Masonic symbolism. Which equals phenomenal! The story follows Prince Tamino, who is tasked with rescuing Princess Pamina, daughter of the Queen of the Night, from the high priest Sarastro. Alongside the comical bird-catcher Papageno, Tamino undergoes a series of spiritual and moral trials to prove his worthiness. Ultimately, the opera reveals that Sarastro represents wisdom and light, while the Queen embodies darkness and deceit. Love, virtue, and enlightenment triumph as Tamino and Pamina are united, and order is restored. Isn’t that wonderful?

I have seen various versions and interpretations of this opera, which is my second favourite from Mozart (who is my favourite classical composer), the first one is Don Giovanni. And one of my favourite versions was the one by Ingmar Bergman as a film adaptation from 1975…

Mozart’s Life and Works

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (1756–1791) phenomenal Austrian composer of the Classical era. He was extremely talented even at a very young age. A child prodigy, and a genius. At the age of five he began composing and performing across Europe guided by his father, Leopold. Mozart was a master of all genres existing in his time, and composed over 600 works that include symphonies, concertos, operas, chamber music, and sacred pieces. His most famous works include The Marriage of Figaro, Don Giovanni, Symphony No. 40, Requiem, and of course, The Magic Flute. Despite his musical genius, Mozart struggled financially and died at 35, leaving behind a legacy that continues to shape Western music. The true sign of genius.

I hope you enjoy this rendition of The Magic Flute arranged for strings.

CHEERS