What is the meaning of The Magic Flute?
That The Magic Flute is a barely veiled Masonic allegory cannot be doubted. It acts, in fact, as a kind of introduction to the secret society. Its story celebrates the main themes of masonry: good vs. evil, enlightenment vs. ignorance, and the virtues of knowledge, justice, wisdom and truth.
What is the morally uplifting message contained within The Magic Flute?
The story of The Magic Flute focuses on the triumph of reason and virtue over irrationality and evil. This concept was important in Freemasonry, a fraternal order that was popular during the Enlightenment and of which Mozart was a member.
What language is The Magic Flute in?
German
The Magic Flute/Languages
Who wrote the libretto for The Magic Flute?
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
The Magic Flute, German Die Zauberflöte, singspiel in two acts by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, with a German libretto by Austrian actor and theatrical producer Emanuel Schikaneder.
Why is The Magic Flute Masonic?
And why a magic flute? A common Masonic theme is that music has the power to transcend human fear and hatred. So, the moral of the story is that through the Masonic Order and guided by the beauty of music, society is enlightened – men and women equally.
What does Singspiel mean in English?
A Singspiel (German pronunciation: [ziŋɡʃpiːl]; plural: Singspiele; literally “sing-play”) is a form of German-language music drama, now regarded as a genre of opera. It is characterized by spoken dialogue, which is alternated with ensembles, songs, ballads, and arias which were often strophic, or folk-like.
What is the story of The Magic Flute by Mozart?
One of the greatest operas ever written, Mozart’s timeless classic concerns the search for truth and reason, love and enlightenment. It follows the adventures of Prince Tamino and the bird-catcher Papageno on their quest to rescue Pamina.
Why is The Magic Flute so special?
The Magic Flute is noted for its prominent Masonic elements. Schikaneder and Mozart were Masons and lodge brothers, as was Ignaz Alberti, engraver and printer of the first libretto. The opera is also influenced by Enlightenment philosophy, and can be regarded as an allegory advocating enlightened absolutism.
Was Emanuel Schikaneder a Freemason?
Both Mozart and Schikaneder were Freemasons, an organisation that taught self-improvement and philosophy through participation in a progression of ceremonies. These ceremonies inspired the trials of silence, water and fire in the opera.
What is a librettist in opera?
Also Called. Book Writer, Dramatist. Librettists write the scripts and lyrics for operas and musicals.
What is the meaning of the word librettist?
Definition of librettist : the writer of a libretto.