In a promotion aimed to make Opera more understandable and accessible, Naxos have produced a series of CDs entitle “Opera explained”. The ninth in the series released on 22nd October 2002, is The Magic Flute composed by Amadeus Wolfgang Mozart.
All the CDs in the series roughly follow the same format. The first section of the CD, lasting for approximately quarter of an hour, provides a brief and basic biography Of Mozart and illustrated by excerpts from a variety of his works.
The recording continues with musical highlights from the Comic Opera interspersed with explanations of the plot and music. Mozart composed the Magic Flute in 1791 as a commission from Emanuel Schikaneder who provided the libretto. It’s debut performance took place on December 5th just a few weeks before Mozart’s death.
The plot is basically that of a love story. A handsome young prince, Tamino (played by Herbert Lippert: Tenor) is saved from a serpent by three women who turn out to be attendants of the Queen of the Night (played by Hellen Kwon: Soprano). She promises him her daughter Tamina if he rescues her from the Sarastro (played by Kurt Rydl: Bass). Tamino falls in love with a minature of her, agrees and sets off on his quest accompanied by Papageno, the Queen's bird catcher (played by Georg Tichy: Baritone). To aid them in their task, Tamino is given a magic flute and Papageno a chime of bells.. During the rescue attempt, Tamino discovers Sarastro is not evil but is wise and virtuous. He invites Tamino and Papageno to undertake the initiation trials and enter his circle.
The Operatic cast, although generally unfamiliar, perform well. They sing their parts with conviction and clarity. The two classic lovers, Tamino and Tamina, are suitably serious and ardent. The other lover in the opera, Papageno and Papagena are contrastingly humourous and down-to-earth. The Queen of the Night is magnificent. She exudes evil in her double aria, performing vocal athletics to achieve the technically difficulties written by Mozart.
The conductor Michael Halasz achieves excellence from both the Failoni Orchestra (pairs of flutes, oboes, clarinets, bassoons, horns, and trumpets, three trombones, timpani, and full strings) and the Hungarian Festival Chorus. The overture establishes the noble and solemn tone including in its instrumentation, parts for three trombones. Papageno’s fluttering and melodic theme provides a lightness with joyful and fun interludes to the seriousness.
The text written by Thomson Smillie is entertaining and informative. It is narrated by David Timson using a clear and concise manner. Included in the CD is a programme reflecting the recording.
I could go on to discuss the connections between the opera and Masonic customs with the prolific use of the number three and representation of rites in the both the music and the action. But I won’t as I don’t think this is necessary to the review of this particular CD.
The CD provides a good introduction to the Opera and is ideal for teaching musical appreciation.
It is a good way to prepare for a visit to attend a live performance. Often when attending an Opera, the plot and how the music fits in can be confusing. Listening to this beforehand can make it all that bit clearer and enhance your enjoyment.
However, if it is the Opera or even highlights of the Opera you want, then this will not be of much use. Although the arias are performed admirably and the music sublime, the narration intermingles with the music too much to allow enjoyment. There are many CDs that present the Opera in its entirety or it’s highlights. So if is the music you want, buy one of these instead.
The CD costs only £4.99. It is ideal if bought for the right purpose but be clear about what you want from it before handing over your money.
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