Symbolism in The Magic Flute

Perhaps one of the most interesting and enigmatic composers of all time is Mozart. From the young age at which he wrote his first work, to the genius with which he composed the Overture to Don Giovanni on the morning of its premiere, all culminating in his shrouded death at the age of just 35.

Classical influences and ‘Joy’ in Mozart’s music

In the midst of musical Classicism, the young Wolfgang, strongly influenced by Haydn, whom he considered a true father of this stylistic period, brought innovative elements to his works. With an extremely cheerful character, his works could not be out of tune, so the most appropriate word to characterize the whole of Mozart’s oeuvre is “Joy”.

This characteristic element of the composer is all the more evident in his operas, where Mozart often depicts his villains in a humorous way. So, in addition to the two well-known opera genres – Seria and Buffa – the German composer also turned to the Dramma giocoso and Singspiel genres.

Don Giovanni – Dramma Giocoso with elements of Comedy and Drama

Don Giovanni is a Dramma giocoso opera, based on a comedy that becomes increasingly dramatic at the end of each act, an element specific to this genre. However, perhaps Mozart’s most famous opera is The Magic Flute, which belongs to the Singspiel genre. It is characterized by the use of German folk elements, but also by the alternation of music with episodes of speech, without being conditioned by the alternation between recitative and aria.

The Magic Flute – Mozart’s last opera

Let’s take a look at the action and characters in The Magic Flute, which is also Mozart’s last opera, giving it an air of mystery.

The opera premiered on September 30, 1791, at the Burgtheater in Vienna, a theater run at the time by Emanuel Schikaneder, the author of the libretto on which the opera is based. Having serious financial problems at the time, Mozart readily agreed to compose the music for Schikaneder’s libretto because he needed money.

The beginning of the opera and Tamino’s mission

The Magic Flute begins with the appearance of Tamino, who is chased by a giant snake that causes him to faint and lose consciousness. The snake is killed by the three ladies, who disappear immediately after this event. When Tamino recovers, he meets Papageno, a bird who boasts that he killed the snake.

Enraged by Papageno’s lie, the ladies reappear to punish him and silence him. They give Tamino the portrait of Pamina, the beautiful daughter of the Night Queen, who has been kidnapped. They entrust Tamino with the mission to rescue her and return her to her mother. To help him, the three ladies give Tamino an ench enchanted flute and Papageno a set of bells.

The search for Pamina and the tests of Tamino

Papageno finds Pamina and tells her about Tamino, and the young prince is guided by three child spirits to the place where Pamina is being held. These spirits tell Tamino that his mission will only be successful if he is patient, wise and persistent, leaving him in front of three doors, each belonging to a temple dedicated to a purpose – wisdom, motives and nature.

Tamino knocks on all three doors, and a priest explains that Sarastro is not a tyrant, but has kidnapped Pamina to protect her from her mother’s negative influence.

Meeting Pamina and first attempts

Tamino and Pamina meet, but are immediately separated because Tamino must go through three trials in order to stay with Pamina. The first trial is silence, and Tamino passes with flying colors, but Papageno does not. Meanwhile, Pamina is being chased by Monostatos, the temple guard, who tries to kiss her. The Queen of the Night intervenes and chases Monostatos away, offering Pamina a dagger with which she is supposed to kill Sarastro.

However, Pamina decides to warn Sarastro about her mother’s plan. Sarastro forgives her, explaining that he does not want revenge. Tamino is congratulated for passing the test of silence, and the choir of priests sing a solemn hymn to Isis and Osiris to guide the two young men.

The happy ending and the triumph of good

Pamina decides to accompany Tamino in the next tests, and they set off together for the fire and water test, protected by the sound of the magic flute. Tamino successfully completes the trials and is able to stay with Pamina. But the Queen of the Night convinces Monostatos to attack Sarastro’s temple and promises Pamina’s hand in exchange.

Their plan fails and Sarastro banishes them into eternal night. The opera ends with a happy ending as Sarastro unites the two couples – Tamino with Pamina and Papageno with Papagena – who will live in a new world of wisdom and brotherhood, celebrating the triumph of good over evil.

Masonic symbols in The Magic Flute

But what makes this work so interesting? What symbols does it conceal? One important aspect is the connection with Freemasonry, of which Schikaneder was a member. The number 3 is almost omnipresent in this work: three children, three doors, three doors, three trials, three ladies, even three flats of armor. These elements reflect the Masonic influences and deep symbolism that run throughout the opera.

Photo source: Mozart’s portrait here and Papageno here.

_____

Akordaj is a platform created in the framework of the Spotlight on Music project, through the Erasmus+ program, funded by the European Union. The views and opinions expressed, however, are those of the author(s) alone and do not necessarily reflect the views and opinions of the European Union or the ANPCDEFP. Neither the European Union nor the ANPCDEFP can be held responsible for them.