Tag Archives: Die Zauberflöte

Truth and Wisdom: a searching Zauberflöte at Garsington

Mozart: Die Zauberflöte **** Garsington Opera, 31st May 2018 “Square your actions and circumscribe your desires.” Across the façade of a great house, the square and compass – symbols of Freemasonry – are projected as brothers busily work at architectural … Continue reading

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Roderick Williams’ charming birdcatcher leads a spirited revival of The Magic Flute at Covent Garden

Mozart: Die Zauberflöte **** The Royal Opera, 14th September 2017 What do you seek from The Magic Flute? Truth? Enlightenment? Birdcatcher Papageno confesses he’s not really looking for wisdom. Sleep, food, drink – and possibly a wife – is all he’s … Continue reading

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Strongly cast revival of McVicar’s Enlightenment production of Die Zauberflöte at Covent Garden

Mozart: Die Zauberflöte **** Royal Opera, 23rd February 2015 Two key ingredients are required for a successful operatic revival: a production of sufficient interest to withstand repeated viewing and a strong cast to make it come alive. With its latest … Continue reading

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ENO’s new Magic Flute mixes high-tech with simple stagecraft

Mozart: The Magic Flute **** English National Opera, 7th November 2013 For all the risk-taking in the operatic world, productions which are guaranteed bums-on-seats bankers are like Nibelung gold. To scrap not one but two such productions is a brave … Continue reading

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Queen of the Night thrown to the lions in Rome

Mozart: Die Zauberflöte *** Teatro dell’Opera di Roma, 27th March 2012 Here was Rome at its gladiatorial worst. In Britain – or should that be just London – the only booing you’re likely to hear will be aimed at a … Continue reading

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