The Magic Flute facts for kids

Quick facts for kids The Magic Flute
by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart
Portrait by Doris Stock, 1789
Genre	Singspiel in 2 acts
Native title	Die Zauberflöte
Librettist	Emanuel Schikaneder
Language	German
Premiere	Freihaus-Theater auf der Wieden Vienna 30 September 1791

The Magic Flute (in German: Die Zauberflöte, K. 620) is a very famous opera written by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. It's a special type of opera called a singspiel, which means it has both singing and spoken parts, like a musical play. The story and words, called the libretto, were created by Emanuel Schikaneder.

This amazing opera was first performed in Vienna, Austria, on September 30, 1791. It took place at a theater owned by Schikaneder himself, called the Freihaus-Theater auf der Wieden. The story is like a traditional fairy tale, full of adventure, magic, and important lessons about wisdom and doing good.

What is a Singspiel?

A singspiel is a German musical play. It's different from a regular opera because it includes spoken conversations between the songs. Think of it like a Broadway musical where characters sing some parts and talk in others. This style made "The Magic Flute" very popular with all kinds of people, not just those who usually went to operas.

The Story of The Magic Flute

The opera tells the exciting journey of Prince Tamino. He is asked by the mysterious Queen of the Night to rescue her daughter, Pamina, who has been captured by Sarastro, a powerful high priest.

Tamino's Quest

Tamino sets off on his adventure with a magical flute. This flute has the power to change people's feelings and protect him. He is joined by a funny bird-catcher named Papageno, who has a set of magic bells. Papageno's biggest wish is to find his own true love, Papagena.

Trials and Wisdom

As Tamino and Papageno try to rescue Pamina, they learn that Sarastro is not evil. Instead, he represents wisdom and light. Tamino and Pamina decide to join Sarastro's world and go through several difficult trials. These trials test their courage, honesty, and trust. They learn important lessons about truth and love. Papageno also finds his happiness when he meets his perfect match, Papagena.

Who Wrote The Magic Flute?

The music for "The Magic Flute" was composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. He was one of the greatest composers of all time. Mozart wrote this opera in the last year of his life, and it became one of his most loved works.

The story and words (the libretto) were written by Emanuel Schikaneder. He was a theater manager, actor, and singer. Schikaneder even played the role of Papageno in the very first performance of "The Magic Flute"!

Why is it so Famous?

"The Magic Flute" is famous for many reasons. Its music is beautiful and memorable, with famous songs like the Queen of the Night's powerful arias. The story is also very engaging, mixing fantasy with deeper ideas about good versus evil, wisdom, and love. It's an opera that people of all ages can enjoy.

Images for kids

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  Emanuel Schikaneder, librettist of Die Zauberflöte, shown performing in the role of Papageno. The object on his back is a birdcage; see below.

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  Baritone Markus Werba appearing as Papageno. He wears his pipes and carries his magic bells; both instruments are essential to the plot.

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  The arrival of Sarastro on a chariot pulled by lions, from a 1793 production in Brno. Pamina appears at left, Papageno at right. In the background are the temples of Wisdom, Reason, and Nature.

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  Tamino and Pamina undergo their final trial; watercolor by Max Slevogt (1868–1932)

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  Papageno and Papagena. From a production at Texas A&M University-Commerce.

See also

In Spanish: La flauta mágica para niños