The Magic Flute Synopsis
In a mysterious world, in a mysterious time
ACT I
Tamino, a Prince, is wandering through a strange, deserted country. He is pursued by a monstrous serpent and narrowly eludes death when he is saved at the last moment by The Three Ladies of the Queen. The Three Ladies go to inform the Queen, who is impressed by the handsome youth. The Queen sends him a portrait of her daughter, Pamina, who had been forcibly taken from her by Sarastro, a high priest. The Queen appears and promises Tamino her daughter's hand if he will rescue her. Tamino, enchanted by the portrait, falls in love and resolves to save Pamina at any cost. Papageno, a light-hearted bird-catcher, is chosen as his companion. The Queen sends a magic flute to Tamino and a set of silver bells to Papageno to protect them from danger. Three boys are chosen to guide them on their journey.
The three boys leave Tamino as he arrives at the temples in the realm of Sarastro. An old priest appears at the gate of the Temple of Wisdom. From him Tamino learns that Pamina is alive. Meanwhile, Pamina is found by Papageno. She had been kept prisoner by Monostatos, a Moor in the service of Sarastro. Papageno tells Pamina about Tamino, and the pair try to flee and find him, but Monostatos captures them and has them brought before Sarastro. Sarastro, wise and all-knowing, has been aware of everything that has happened. He is dedicated to furthering the ways of virtue for man, and had taken Pamina from her mother to protect her from the Queen's evil influence. He Orders Tamino and Papageno to be veiled and led to the temple to be prepared for the rites of purification.
The priests assemble and Sarastro informs them that Tamino is prepared to undergo the ordeals. If Tamino can prove his worthiness by successfully undergoing the necessary trials, he will have Pamina as his wife.
ACT II
In their wanderings through the temple vaults Tamino and Papageno are exposed to various temptations. Tamino, resisting the temptations of women and drink, proves himself worthy. Papageno, a simple and content man, fails. However, the gods are merciful. While he is unable to attain the joy of wisdom shared by the enlightened, Papageno is given Papagena, a pretty young girl, as his wife.
Pamina and Tamino, protected by the tones of the Magic Flute, transcend Fire and Water as the final acts of purification, and are ordained deserving of enlightenment by Sarastro.
*Click on the blue text to listen to excerpts from the opera
