Supported by the Agency for Cultural Affairs Government of Japan
DIE ZAUBERFLÖTE (The Magic Flute)
Opera in two acts
Story
Tamino, a prince, wearing a Japanese hunting cloth, loses consciousness because a monster serpent chases him. Then, three ladies in waiting of the queen of the night help Tamino, and they leave there to report him to the queen of the night. Papageno appears there. He tells a lie to Tamino that he helps him, and boasts it. The origin of a word of Papageno is a parrot in old French. In this opera, Papageno is a bird-catcher. He is cheerful and weakling in contrast to Tamino who is noble, and is described as an existence that feels him familiar to one.
When three ladies of the queen of the night come back there, they tell Tamino that Sarastro kidnaps Pamina. Tamino sees Pamina's portrait, and falls in love with her at first sight. He decides to go to rescue Pamina from Sarastro. Also, the queen's three ladies command Papageno who is caught lying and, is on the carpet to go with Tamino as a follower.
Tamino and Papageno arrive at Sarastro's temple being guided by three children. Sarastro is a saint actually, and Pamina is safe. However, if Tamino wants to get married to Pamina, he has to do trials by Sarastro. Tamino and Papageno challenge to pass the test of the silence.
Three ladies of the queen of the night are unable to tempt Tamino and Papageno. The queen command Pamina to kill Sarastro, but she fails it, too.
Tamino and Pamina get over the test of fire and water being protected by the magic flute, and are added to a Sarastro's holy group. Finally, Papageno get Papagena as a pretty partner, and they express the joy of living by singing the duet, "Pa Pa Pa". "Injustice and darkness go away, and a wise person may flourish!"
Monostatos who has an evil intention for Pamina betrays Sarastro, and takes side with the queen of the night. The queen of the night and Monostatos try to take revenge, but are smashed by striking lightning. After that, the solar circle appears, and people praise the wisdom and gods.
English version by MINAMITANI,Shiho
