Sunburst (27/02/2009)
Firstly, let me explain somthing of the story and the back ground of this fantastic opera, for the benifit of those who don't know the story, but I am sure most of you will know it.
Written in 1791 just before his death, Mozart was given this awesome libretto to work on, written by his good friend (and fellow Mason) Emanuel Schikaneder, and is the age old story of a battle between goon and evil, which is almost the same as the Ramayana story. It involves the young princess Pamina being in the clutches of Sarastro, and the Queen of the Night begs Prince Tamino, who has fallen in love with Pamina's portrait, to free her!! My favorite character in Papageno, the bird catcher who is Tamino's friend, but he is a very funny, strange but loveable character. This is most certainly Mozart's most Masonic Opera, and its totaly fascinating!
Now its available on DVD I watched in total awe as it works surprizingly well on the small screen. Originaly written in German and is nearly always performed in German too, this movie version is sung in English!!
I can well recommend this one. But if you have already seen it, please let me know what you thought of it.
:)I have seen a live version of the Magic Flute many years ago in the Grand Opera House Belfast. It was fantastic. Although I do not often go to the opera I can well recomend "The Magic Flute".
Der Holle Rache kocht in meinem Herzen (Hell's vengeance boils in my heart) by the Queen of the night is possibly the most beautiful aria I have ever heard.