The Magic Flute

 

 

opera by WA Mozart

version of the translation of the libretto into Portuguese: Ruth Salles

NOTES on the opera THE MAGIC FLUTE
in
Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

(from the 1983 version)

Mozart, a brilliant Austrian composer, was born in Salzburg, on January 27, 1756, and died in Vienna, on December 5, 1791. Endowed with great musical precocity, this master is the author of many masterpieces, despite having died so soon. early, before turning 36 years of age.

"The Magic Flute" is said to have been Mozart's last work, composed in the year of his death. It tells the story of a prince, Tamino, who, accompanied by Papageno, a bird hunter, goes in search of his beloved Pamina, daughter of the Queen of the Night and the high priest Sarastro. After several adventures, Papageno meets an old woman who transforms into the young Papagena, while Tamino and Pamina undergo tests of fire and water, protected by the magic flute, in order to be purified and to deserve each other. In the end, the Queen of the Night, her ladies and Monostatos are expelled, while Tamino and Pamina receive the blessings of Sarastro and all the priests of the Sun Circle of Isis and Osiris.

The original German libretto of this Masonic-influenced opera is by Emanuel Schikaneder. For this 8th grade presentation by professor Alpineu Brigagão, the literal translation into Portuguese was made by music teacher Mechthild Vargas (Mecca), thanks to whom I was able to rewrite the spoken part and recompose the verses of the sung part; she also helped me revise all the arias so that the text would fit the music as closely as possible. My thanks to her.

Ruth Salles

 

This version, made in 1983, appears in the complete opera. However, there is also a new version, made in 1999 at the request of class teacher Maria Cristina Ciocchi, where the spoken parts are shortened, and some sung parts are spoken, but not in verse; the choice of parts to be sung was at the discretion of the class' music teacher, Isabel Galan Matas Lüders.

 

CHARACTERS:

 

Sarastro, high priest of Isis and Osiris… (bass) ?
Queen of the Night… (soprano)
Pamina, your daughter..(soprano)
Tamino, eastern prince …(tenor)
Papageno, bird hunter …(baritone)
Papagena (also the Old One) …(soprano)
The Preacher…. (short ?)
First Priest... (spoken part)
Second Priest… (tenor)
Third Priest... (spoken part)
Monostatos, Moor in the service of Sarastro…. (tenor)?
Queen's First Lady... (soprano)
Queen's Second Lady … (soprano)
Queen's Third Lady... (mezzo-soprano)
First Genie of the Forest... (soprano)
Second Genie of the Forest... (mezzo-soprano)
Third Genie of the Forest… (contralto)
First Armored Man … (tenor or baritone)
Second Armored Man… (low?)
Three Slaves... (spoken part)
Priests, Slaves, Entourage… (Spoken part)

(Voices for accompaniment or support of any individual singing are at the discretion of the music teacher).

 

SYNOPSIS FOLLOWING THE SCENARIOS

FIRST ACT

rocky region – Young Prince Tamino is chased by a snake. He passes out, and the three Ladies of the Queen of the Night kill the monster and leave. Coming to his senses, Tamino sees Papageno arrive, a simple bird hunter dressed in bird feathers, who claims to have killed the serpent. Upon hearing this, the three Ladies reappear and close their mouths with a padlock. Next, Tamino is shown the portrait of Pamina, daughter of the Queen of the Night. Tamino falls in love. The Queen appears as if by magic and tells him that her daughter has been kidnapped by Sarastro - an evil spirit - and urges the prince to go and save her. The three ladies give Tamino a magic flute that will protect him, and they give Papageno magic bells. Three Forest Geniuses must guide them.

Sumptuous Egyptian Room, in Sarastro's palace, high priest of Isis and Osiris – There is Pamina, guarded by Monostatos and other slaves. Monostatos is startled by Papageno's entry and runs away. Papageno manages to warn the young woman of Tamino's arrival.

sacred grove, where are the temple of Wisdom and two other temples, which are the one of Reason and the one of Nature – Tamino looks for Pamina. From the Temple of Wisdom, a priest appears who tells him of Sarastro's kindness, who Tamino thought was a bad man. Tamino hears Papageno's panpipe and runs in search of him. Papageno, meanwhile, comes bringing Pamina, but Monostatos grabs them. Papageno and Pamina free themselves by ringing the magic bells. Sarastro arrives with his entourage. He explains why he keeps Pamina in his palace: to keep her from the evil influence of the Queen of the Night.

 

SECOND ACT

Palm grove and pyramids – Sarastro and his initiated priests decide to submit Tamino and Papageno to the purification tests in the temple of Isis and Osiris. Pamina will be the ultimate prize for Tamino. Este and Papageno must keep silent. If Papageno wins, he will also receive a companion.

Sarastro Palace Garden – Monostatos observes Pamina asleep, but the Queen of the Night appears, and he hides. The Queen incites her daughter to kill Sarastro, hands her a dagger and then disappears. Monostatos, having overheard the conversation, takes the dagger from Pamina and threatens her if she refuses his love. Sarastro appears, takes the dagger from Monostatos and banishes him. He explains to Pamina that in his domains revenge is unknown, as the young woman fears that Sarastro will take revenge on her mother.

wide vestibule – Tamino and Papageno are put to the test of silence. An old woman comes to try to talk to Papageno, who can't contain himself and talks to her. Tamino bravely faces the temptation to talk to Pamina. The Genies appear before Pamina appears and encourage and feed them, giving them back the flute and bells.

Vaulted Enclosure of the Pyramids – Sarastro and the priests summon Isis and Osiris. Tamino will go through other tests. Pamina comes to bid him a last goodbye. They leave, and Papageno appears, who has not passed the test of silence. All he wants is food, drink and a mate. The old woman reappears and convinces him to promise her love. In this, she transforms into the young Papagena. A priest appears, however, to say that it is not yet time for Papageno to earn it.

Small garden near the temple – Pamina tries to kill herself with the dagger her mother gave her, but the three Genies appear to dissuade her.

Waterfall mountain and mountain where fire comes out – Two armored men lead Tamino, who will face the great trials of fire and water. Pamina appears, and is allowed to share in the evidence. The flute protects them and, when the tests are over, the choir salutes them.

Small garden near the temple – Papageno, separated from Papagena, intends to kill himself, but the three Genies appear and suggest that he ring the magic bells. Papagena then appears before him.

The Queen of the Night, her Ladies and Monostatos try to invade the temple, but are driven back by terrible thunder. The sun rises. Final chorus of praise to the victors and to Isis and Osiris.

 

OPENING - ORCHESTRA

FIRST ACT

The scene takes place in a rocky region; here and there, some trees; on either side, smooth hills; there is also a temple of circular shape.

 

SCENE 1

Tamino; the three Ladies of the Queen of the Night.
Tamino, dressed in the richest Japanese hunter's costume, appears from behind a rock, holding a bow but no arrows. A large serpent pursues him. Then enter the three Ladies of the Queen of the Night.

(Sung part – Allegro):

SIZE:
"Relief! Relief! Nobody comes to save me! (bis)
To die under the serpent's fatal teeth… O heavens, pity!
Closer is coming… (bis)
It's late already! Will nobody, nobody deliver me?
I beg salvation! O gods, give me protection!”

(He faints. But the portal of the temple had already been opened, and three Veiled Ladies emerged, each with a silver spear.)

THREE LADIES:
“Our power will deliver you! (They cut the snake into 3 pieces.)
Died… Died… And this young man revived.
Only these hands, (bis)
valiant, they gave him protection. (bis)
LADY 1 (contemplating Tamino): What a handsome young man he is!
LADY 2: So beautiful I've never seen it...
LADY 3: Charming and so kind…
THREE LADIES:
Could I love someone,
it would be this one or no one. (bis)
What happened here we will soon tell the Queen.
LADY 1: Quickly go there! I will stay here.
LADY 2: No, no! Well go ye! I must watch.
LADY 3: No, no! Leave me alone! I will take care of him.
LADY 1: I will stay here.
LADY 2: I must watch.
LADY 3: I'll take care of him.
LADY 1: I stay!
LADY 2: I keep it!
LADY 3: I'll take care of it!
CHECKERS 1 and 2: Me! I!
LADY 3: Me!
(each for themselves):
LADY 2: Shall I go?
LADY 3: Shall I go?
LADY 1: Shall I go? (bis)
LADY 3: Oh no!
LADY 2: Oh no!
LADY 1: Oh no!
THREE LAMEN: Oh no! I am not! I am not! I am not! I am not!
They all just wanted to stay, here to stay. They won't, they won't, they won't, they won't, but together they will leave, (bis)
but together they will leave. (bis)
THREE LADIES:
I would give everything I have
to be with him!
He would be mine, mine alone!
LADY 1: It would be mine! (bis)
LADIES 2 and 3: It would be mine, mine alone!
THREE LAMEN: But nobody goes, nobody wants to go...
CHECKERS 1 and 2: I really must go.
LADY 3: I really must go. (bis)
THREE LADIES: I will (bis).
Farewell, oh so kind youth,
O beautiful young man so kind!
I have to see you!
I have to see you! (bis)
Farewell, oh so kind youth!,
O beautiful young man so kind!
I will see you again, (3 times)
to review!
LADIES 1 and 2: I will see you again, I will see you again!
THREE LAMEN: I shall see you again! (6 times)"

(The three pass through the temple portal, which opens and closes by itself. Tamino comes to himself and looks around, frightened, raising his body a little.)

(spoken part)

(Tamino comes to his senses and looks around fearfully.)

TAMINO: – Where am I? Am I dreaming? Or did some higher power save me? (stands up and looks around) But how? Is the wicked serpent dead at my feet? (A pan flute is heard in the distance, which the orchestra accompanies softly) Pamino speaks over the refrain) What am I listening to? Where am I? What place will this be? Ah… (A male figure approaches the valley. Pamino hides behind a tree.)

 

SCENE 2

Tamino and Papageno. During the orchestra's introduction, Papageno comes down a path. He carries a large cage with assorted birds on his back. His clothes are all lined with feathers from top to bottom, and he holds a pan flute in both hands.

(Sung part – Andante)

PAPAGENO:
“Happy I live hunting the birds, tra-la-la!
And everywhere I go, because everyone knows who I am.
I know a thousand ways to call birds with the flute... (plays the flute)
That's why I can be happy, because I always had what I wanted. (plays)

Happy I live hunting the birds, tra-la-la!
And everywhere I go, because everyone knows who I am.
In the new hammock that I will make, I will arrest all the young girls… (plays the flute)
So happy I'll be like this, with all of them for me. (plays)

The young women all over the place, if they're mine, I'll change
for many sweets that I will give to only one, that I will love.
Then a thousand kisses of love she will surely give me... (plays the pan flute)
My arms will caress the young woman I will marry.” (plays)

(After the aria, Papageno goes into the temple, but Tamino holds him by the hand.)

(spoken part)

TAMINO: - Hey, you there!
PAPAGENO: – Someone call me?
TAMINO: Yes, who are you, happy fellow?
PAPAGENO: (to himself): – Who am I? (to Tamino): – What a silly question! (aloud): – A human being like you! What if I asked you who are you?
TAMINO: - I would answer you that I have noble blood.
PAPAGENO: – This is very complicated for me. For me to understand you, you need to explain yourself better.
TAMINO: My father is a nobleman, lord of many lands and of many men. That's why they call me prince.
PAPAGENO: – Lands?… Men?… Prince?… So beyond these mountains there are also lands and men?
TAMINO: - By the thousands!
PAPAGENO: That makes it easier for me to trade with my birds.
TAMINO: – Now, answer me: what region are we in?
PAPAGENO (looking around): – In what region? Between hills and valleys.
TAMINO: But what is this region called here, and who has dominion over it?
PAPAGENO: I can't answer that, for I don't even know how I came into the world!
TAMINO: – How? (laughing) Don't you know where you were born or who your parents were?
PAPAGENO: Nothing, nothing. The only thing I know is that I was raised and nurtured by a very old but very happy man.
TAMINO: It was probably your father.
PAPAGENO: That I don't know.
TAMINO: Didn't you know your mother?
PAPAGENO: – I didn't know her, but I was told several times that she served the Queen of the flaming star, there in that closed house. Whether she still lives or what became of her, I don't know. All I know is that not far from here is my hut, which shelters me from the rain and the cold.
TAMINO: But what do you live on?
PAPAGENO – Well, food and drink, like everyone else.
TAMINO: And how do you get food?
PAPAGENO: — By means of a bargain. I catch the most varied birds for the Queen of the Flaming Star and her ladies; in return, I receive food and drink every day.
TAMINO (to himself): – Queen of the flaming star? What if this was the mighty ruler of the night? (aloud): – My good friend, answer me. Have you ever been lucky enough to see this goddess of the night?
PAPAGENO: – See? See the Queen of the Flaming Star? What mortal with human eyes would be able to see through the weave of black threads that make up her veil?
TAMINO (to himself): – Now it's clear. This is the Queen of the Night that my father so often told me about. But I can't understand how I got here. No doubt this man is no ordinary being either; perhaps it is a spirit in the service of the Queen.
PAPAGENO (to himself): – He looks at me so intently… It's actually scaring me. (to Tamino): – Why do you look at me with that suspicious face?
TAMINO: – Because… I don't know if you're really a human being. Because of those feathers that cover you...
PAPAGENO: Don't say you took me for a bird! Back, let's go! And watch out! I have the strength of a giant when I grab someone! (to himself): – If he doesn't get scared of me, then I'll run away!
TAMINO: – Giant strength? (looks at the serpent) So you were my savior? Was it you who fought this poisonous serpent?
PAPAGENO: – Serpent? (looks around and shakily takes a few steps back) Is she dead or alive?
TAMINO: For all the world, friend, how did you fight that monster? You are weaponless!
PAPAGENO: – I don't need that! A good squeeze of my hand is worth more than a weapon!
TAMINO: Do you mean you strangled her?
PAPAGENO: – I strangled! (to himself): – Never in my life have I been as strong as I am today…

 

SCENE 3

Tamino, Papageno and the three Ladies.

THE THREE LAMEN (calling him, one after the other):
– Papageno! – Papageno! – Papageno!
PAPAGENO: That's me! Look behind you, my friend!
TAMINO: Who are these ladies?
PAPAGENO: – I don't know. All I know is that every day they buy my birds and in return they bring me wine, bread and sweet figs.
TAMINO: – They must be very pretty.
PAPAGENO (caçoista): – If they went, they wouldn't cover their face with a veil.
THE THREE (threatening, one after the other): – Papageno!
– Papageno! – Papageno!
PAPAGENO (to Tamino, in a low voice): – Be quiet! They're already threatening me. (louder): – You ask me if they are beautiful, and I can only reply that I have never seen such lovely ladies! (to Tamino, more quietly): – Soon they will be on good terms with me again.
AT THREE (as before): – Papageno! – Papageno! – Papageno!
PAPAGENO (to himself): What have I done today to make them so upset with me? (to the Ladies): – Here, my beauties, I brought you my birds!
LADY 1 (hands him a bottle of water): – And, in exchange, our Queen sends you today, for the first time, crystal clear water, instead of wine.
LADY 2 (hands him a stone): – And she ordered me to bring you this stone instead of sweet bread.
PAPAGENO (whimpering): — What! Will I have to eat rock?
LADY 3: And, instead of sweet figs, I have the honor to close your mouth with this golden padlock. (she fastens the padlock to her mouth)

(Papageno expresses his pain through grimaces.)

LADY 1: Do you want to know why the Queen punishes you today so prodigiously?

(Papageno nods.)

LADY 2: – It is so that, in the future, you will not preach lies to strangers anymore.
LADY 3: And so that you never boast of heroic deeds done by others.
LADY 1: – Answer! Was it you who fought with this serpent?

(Papageno shakes his head)

LADY 2: So who was it?

(Papageno shrugs his shoulders and makes gestures as if he doesn't know.)

LADY 3 (to Tamino): – O young man, it was we who saved you. Our great Queen sends you this painting, which is the portrait of her daughter. She said that if this image captivates you, happiness, honor and glory will be your destiny. See you soon! (leaves)
LADIES 1 AND 2 (they leave, laughing): – Farewell, Mr. Papageno!

(Papageno continues his fearful mime. Tamino looks at the portrait and falls in love to the point that he pays no attention to Papageno.

 

SCENE 4

Tamino and Papageno

(Sung part – Aria – Larguetto)

SIZE:
“Pure countenance, charming!
Never seen such splendor!
I feel, I feel my chest
vibrate… I don't know what it will be (bis)
What makes such a sweet feeling
burn like fire in my chest?
Such a feeling will not be (bis)
love? Only, yes, love!
Oh, I wish I could find her!
Now, by your side, contemplate it!
Seeing her… I want… I don't even know… What do I want?
With such fervor, my chest feels
who wants to hold her tenderly.
Your love will be eternal (three times),
your eternal love (bis).”

(Tamino walks with the intention of leaving.)

SCENE 5

Tamino, Papageno and the three Ladies.

(spoken part)

LADY 1: – Courage and firmness, handsome boy!
LADY 2: – The Queen instructed me to tell you that Pamina…
TAMINO: – Pamina?
LADY 3: Yes, that's the name of the Queen's daughter, the princess you adore so much.
LADY 1: - She said that if you are as brave as you are affectionate, surely Pamina will be saved."
TAMINO: – Saves? But what am I hearing? So your daughter...
LADY 2: – … was snatched from her mother's arms by a powerful and evil demon!
TAMINO: Oh gods! And what's his name?
LADY 1, 2 and 3 (emphasizing the word well): – Sarrrrastro!
TAMINO: - Oh Pamina! You, stolen from me! Thou, under the power of a terrible evildoer? Tell me, oh ladies, tell me where does this tyrant live?
LADY 3: - In a valley very close to our mountains. Your castle is magnificent and carefully guarded.
TAMINO: Well then, onward, young men! Guide me! May Pamina be saved!

(A strong musical chord is immediately heard.)

TAMINO: Oh, gods, what is this?
THREE LAMEN: – Calm down!
LADY 1: This heralds the arrival of our Queen.
(Thunder is heard, which can be done with a drum.)
THREE LAMEN (one at a time): – Come on! (thunder) – Come on! (thunder) – Come on! (another thunder)

 

SCENE 6

The three ladies, Tamino, Papageno and the Queen.
The mountains are divided, and the Queen appears, who rises from a throne all adorned with transparent stars.

(Sung part – Aria – Allegro Maestoso)

QUEEN OF THE NIGHT:
“Thou shalt have no fear!
You are innocent, wise, good.
So you will comfort my grief,
that you see in these watery eyes of mine.
(Larguetto)
So great is my torment,
my daughter left.
I have no more contentment (bis).
A malefactor, he was the one who took her.
Yet I saw her face in pale fear;
so shy, afflicted, trembling with fear.
And I see his suffering: 'I ran! I helped'
It was just what cried
But my power was not enough for you,
and it was in vain that he begged,
and it was in vain, it was in vain that he begged.
Yes, it is you who must save her.
Yes, yes, you will be their savior.
And if you come back victorious, my daughter will give you (bis)!”

(The Queen leaves with the three Ladies. With thunder, the scene reverts back to what it was before.)

 

SCENE 7

Tamino and Papageno.

(Spoken part.)

TAMINO (after a pause): – Is what I saw really true? O kind gods, deceive me not! Strengthen my arm and my courage, and Tamino's heart will beat for you in eternal gratitude!

(Tamino leaves, but Papageno gets in his way.)

(Sung part – Quintet – Allegro)

PAPAGENO (pointing sadly at the padlock in his mouth):
“Hm hm hm hm, hm hm hm hm, hm hm hm hm, hm hm hm hm!
TAMINO: This punished poor guy can't even talk anymore.
PAPAGENO: Hm hm hm hm, hm hm hm hm, hm hm hm hm, hm hm hm hm!
TAMINO: My power is worthless, I can only regret.
PAPAGENO: Hm hm hm hm!
TAMINO: My power…
PAPAGENO: Hm hm hm hm!
TAMINO: ...it's worthless,
PAPAGENO: Hm hm hm hm!
TAMINO: I can only regret,
(Tamino and Papageno sing together):
PAPAGENO: Hm hm hm hm, hm hm hm hm, hm hm hm hm,
hm hm hm hm, hm hm hm hm, hm hm hm hm!
TAMINO: I can only regret. (bis)"

 

SCENE 8
Papageno, Tamino and the Three Ladies

(sung part)
LADY 1 (to Papageno):
“In the name of the Queen, I came here to forgive you.
(takes the padlock out of her mouth)
PAPAGENO: Already chattering Papageno! (twirl)
LADY 2: As long as you don't lie anymore.
PAPAGENO: I'll never lie, never again!
THREE LAMEN: You will remember the padlock!
(then sing together):
PAPAGENO: I will never forget, I will never forget!
THREE LAMEN: Thou shalt not forget the padlock.
THREE DAMAS, TAMINO and PAPAGENO:
Who wants love and compassion,
instead of pain and betrayal,
you will also have to stop THREE DAMAS and TAMINO: the liar from lying. PAPAGENO: to lie (bis)
QUEEN 1 (giving Tamino a golden flute):
Here's a good gift!
It's from the Queen to you.
'Cause this flute helps you
in the bad luck of fortune.
THREE LADIES: Just touch it for a moment,
and you will change your feelings:
the sad happy will be;
whoever did not love will love.
THREE DAMAS, TAMINO and PAPAGENO:
Oh, such a good flute will be worth more than gold.
when sounding,
will make whoever is listening happy (bis),
it will make happy, it will make happy whoever listens to it.
PAPAGENO: And now, beautiful ladies, may I take my leave?
THREE LADIES:
Soon, soon you will leave,
but the young man will follow
to the castle of Sarastro;
do not stray from this path.
PAPAGENO: Thank you, but I won't!
I have heard from you
that Sarastro is fierce;
bloodthirsty could
plucked and roasted me (bis)
and the dogs throw me!
THREE LAMEN: But thou shalt follow the young man
and your protection you will have.
PAPAGENO: But I cherish my life! Only he must go.
And in the end, I tell you, he will flee.
QUEEN 1 (giving him a set of bells):
Here's this gem for you.
PAPAGENO: I don't know… What will happen here?
THREE LAMEN: There are sounds of tiny bells.
PAPAGENO: And may I also touch them?
THREE LADIES: You can play too!
THREE DAMAS, TAMINO and PAPAGENO:
With the bells, with the flute,
protection you (us) never lack.
We will! Let's go!
On duty! See you later! (bis)
(the Checkers leave, but are interrupted)
TAMINO: But which castle will it be?
PAPAGENO: How to find it?
TAMINO and PAPAGENO:
You must say what to do. (bis)
(Andante)
THREE LADIES: Three young, beautiful, pure, wise,
will guide your steps.
what they say you will hear
and their advice you will follow.
TAMINO and PAPAGENO:
Three beautiful, pure, wise young men,
will guide our steps.
THREE LADIES: What they say you shall hear
and their advice you will follow.
TAMINO and PAPAGENO:
So will whoever wants to win.
Let's go, then! See you later!
THE FIVE: So will he who wants to win.
So let's go. See you later!
THE THREE: See you later! BOTH: See you later! (bis)"

(Exit the Ladies on one side, Tamino and Papageno on the other.)

 

(to be continued)

 

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