The Magic Flute

by Mozart and retold by Anne Gatti and illustrated by Peter Malone

Mozart's last opera, the simultaneously comic and serious fairy tale The Magic Flute (Die Zauberfloete), is as problematic as anything in the medium. Some deplore it for its perceived sexism and racism; some deplore it for its arguably goofy plot. "Depending on your perspective," writes David Foil in his essay in this book, it "is either the silliest opera ever written or a work of profound insight that happens to be dressed in the trappings of a cartoon." That it is Mozart's sublime music that ennobles something meant to be merely a short-lived popular entertainment is not in question. This volume, issued by Black Dog Opera Library, puts together Foil's essay, lots of pictures, a complete libretto (with running commentary) in English and German, and a classic recording on two compact discs in one comfortably priced hardcover package. It is a fine introduction to what remains a great opera, goofy plot or no. (And Bellini's plots aren't even goofier?) It is worth buying just for the now out-of-print EMI/Angel 1972 (remastered in 1987) recording, contained on two very long-playing CDs, found inside the front and back covers of the book. The dialogue portions work better in this version than in most recordings. Anneliese Rothenberger is an appealing Pamina, and Walter Berry is a delightful Papageno. Edda Moser nails the difficult music of the Queen of Night, while Kurt Moll is our day's definitive Sarastro. Wolfgang Sawallisch, brisk and never lugubrious, conducts his soloists and the Bavarian State Opera Chorus and Orchestra with total certainty.

Genres: Music, Picture Books, Childrens

Hardcover

First published January 1, 1998

Reviews

[Mir · Rating 4 out of 5]

Nothing like trying to summarize a plot to highlight how little sense it makes...
At least it all ends happily unless you're a woman.

Nice pictures, and comes with a cd (that my niece declined to listen to). Probably good if you're trying to introduce your kids to opera, or mystery cults.

[Julie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I wanted to understand the story of The Magic Flute and thought that the best approach was to start with a children's book. A CD of the music was included with the book and each page of narrative indicated the corresponding track to listen to. However, the music didn't always seem to reflect the narrative. Overall, it was an enjoyable experience and I gained an understanding of the opera.

[Sarah · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is my limited perspective as a white person on some of the issues of this book and this opera ... I'm trying to find a non-racist version of this opera to share with my son, who loves this music.

At least in this book, the one black person is the wise ruler Sarastro (instead of the one black person being the evil servant Monostatos as it is in the original opera). In the original version, though, Pamina is his daughter. Not so here. Missed opportunity to have a beautiful heroine of color.

Still.. this book is better than most Magic Flute productions out there. Sigh. I'd love to get my hands on the inclusive Glimmerglass production of this opera!!

[Mari McR · Rating 4 out of 5]

The CD that accompanies this book is beautifully sung. I am so astonished that a performance of this quality is inserted in the back page of this summary of Mozart's opera. It is extremely helpful that each page is matched to a specific selection on the CD. It is a wonderfully easy way to encourage young children to listen (and follow) their first opera.

[Brianna · Rating 5 out of 5]

I just received this book for my birthday, and of course read it immediately. I enjoy storybook retellings of famous plays and and operas - they're certainly more fun than trudging through synopses that sometimes sound like they were written by someone who's never even seen or heard the work. Do these retellings always follow the storylines exactly? Of course not, and this one is no exception. However, its value lies in giving young folks a 'snapshot' of a Great Work, an introduction to the plot and characters - in short, a perfect foundation for viewing (and hearing) Die Zauberflote when they are older. This retelling would make a perfect companion to Classical Kids' Mozart's Magic Fantasy: A Journey Through The Magic Flute. And Malone's illustrations are absolutely stunning!

[Daniel Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a good magic story. We have watched the opera version, an animated version, and read this book. My favorite was the animated cartoon. The drawings in the book were great! Papageno, the birdman is funny. I pretend I'm Pamina. She is beautiful and exciting. The Queen of the Night is mean. The book helped me understand the movie because the book wasn't Swedish and the movie was.
- Juniper

[Sarah]

I am pretty sure this book was of the things that launched my love of romance.

[Michael Fitzgerald · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good for an introduction to the opera. The pictures hold the interest of readers. Wish there were more from this team.

[Anchi · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great summary of the story for kids, grabbed their attention. Beautiful illustrations.

[Alkene · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a magical and fun story. I didn't have the music to go along with it, but the story was so entertaining on it's own. (though I highly recommend seeing the play or listening to the music!) I read it to my kids (3 and 2) and they both loved it. It was one of the first stories with a longer plot that I've read them and we did little check ins to remember the characters and what they were doing.

The names were fun and silly for them, so easier to remember. I think this is a great introduction to theater for young children... it's exciting, adventurous and magical... it's got love and humor and triumph over evil..even a plot twist! This book has beautiful illustrations too. Great read:)

[Chicco Padovan · Rating 5 out of 5]

La storia, così come narrata da Anne Gatti è un po’ confusa, le illustrazioni, quelle sì sono splendide. Direi che Peter Melone va ad aggiungersi a quella ristretta cerchia di illustratori (Craft, LaMarche, Pahceco, Innocenti) che del loro lavoro fanno un’Arte e una gioia per gli appassionati di libri illustrati.

[Lynnette · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great way to learn about the story of The Magic Flute and listen to some of the music from the Opera. The pictures are minimalistic and there are lots of words, but it would make a great read aloud book.

[Mari McR · Rating 3 out of 5]

I have wanted to read about this opera for a while and finally got to it to prepare for to view a performance this month at a local venue. Mozart's music is sublime, but methinks that the composer viewed the story line as secondary, non?

[Johannes Kristian · Rating 3 out of 5]

MCL.