The Magic Flute by Mozart, Alates (2018/2019), Juhatatud Krešimir Dolenčić, Dirigent Niksa Bareza, Veton Marevci, HNK, Zagreb, Croatia

The last opera of the genius composer Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart is an extraordinary work which showcases the best characteristics of one of the greatest composers in history. The Magic Flute is one of the pinnacles of operatic art and it represents a challenge for the performers and the audience. It was created for the German libretto of Emanuel Schikaneder, and had a world premiere on 30 September 1791 in Vienna, only two months after Mozart died. Shaped through two acts, The Magic Flute at first sight seems a simple fable about the battle between good and evil, about the victory of love and honesty over intrigue, wickedness and death. However, under the surface is hidden a complex allegory about a quest for wisdom and illumination in the spirit of that time. An imaginative dramatic plot, full of hidden meanings, begins when prince Tamino reaches the land of the evil Queen of the Night while hunting. Her adversary is the High Priest Sarastro who represents goodness, love and wisdom. Together with his loyal companion Papageno, Tamino conquers the forces of evil in order to set free his beloved Pamina. The opera consists of spoken and sung dialogue while the music follows the plot faithfully. It is the use of music when portraying the personalities of the characters that enabled Mozart to create the range of characters who have been thrilling audiences to date and securing The Magic Flute a privileged place at opera stages across the world.