Edgardo Gonzalez-Lopez
Thousands, if not millions, of words have been written about this entertaining opera, Mozart, and the ties with Freemasonry. However, the historical context where this singspiel developed remains underexplored in many publications. While several authors make sure to mention Bro. Mozart and Bro. Schikaneder as the minds behind the music and the story, in reality the opera, that premiered in 1791, emerged from the collective efforts of Schikaneder’s theatrical company.
According to Bro. Alberto Moreno[1] - a prolific Spanish Masonic author who published the first English-Spanish Masonic Dictionary - this team was composed of:
- Emmanuel Schikaneder (librettist)
- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart (composer)
- Karl Ludwig Giesecke (librettist)
- Johann Baptist Henneberg (musical director)
- Benedikt Shack (actor, singer)
- Franz Xaver Ferl (actor, singer)
The story combines elements from diverse sources, such as:
- Arthurian romance literature
- A 1780s short story by Christoph Martin Wieland featuring a fairy who provides a prince with a magic flute to aid in rescuing a maiden
- An influential essay on Egyptian mysteries by Ignaz von Born, Vienna's prominent Freemason
While there are elements of Masonic symbolism spread across the story, at its heart, The Magic Flute presents an interpretation of the “hero’s journey” with a twist. Prince Tamino -our hero- embarks in a mission to rescue princess Pamina from the supposedly evil Sarastro. To accomplish his mission Tamino finds a fellow companion in Papageno, the hilarious bird-catcher who is simply looking for his Papagena.
Elements of Masonic symbolism incorporated in the opera, some more subtle than others, are related to numbers three and five, trials and tribulations of the characters, themes of brotherhood and fraternity, the Sun, the Moon, duality, virtue, to name a few.
These elements reflect the philosophical preoccupations of Masonic lodges in Vienna during the Enlightenment era, which formed “a community of liberal intellectuals whose philosophical interests aligned closely with the Enlightenment concerns of reason, nature, and the universal brotherhood of fellow men.” [2]
Surprisingly, the story unfolds as an initiation journey for both Tamino and Pamina, culminating in a triumphant celebration of courage, virtue and wisdom.
The Magic Flute stands as a masterpiece that speaks to both Masonic and general audiences alike. Whether drawn to its symbolic depths, magnificent music, or universal themes of love and wisdom, viewers will find an unforgettable and fun experience. For those eager to see it, the Metropolitan Opera in New York City traditionally presents a family-friendly English adaptation during their holiday season in December and January.
Photos by Edgardo Gonzalez-Lopez
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[2] https://youtu.be/XJwkmqRrRMA?si=imbPe1U_fk04hI8H
[2] Metropolitan Opera. "The Magic Flute Educator Guide." Metropolitan Opera Education Department, New York.
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Sarastro’s Temple of Wisdom, by Gerald Scarfe
The three doors to Sarastro’s Temple (Reason, Wisdom, Nature) by Maurice Sendak
The Magic Flute by Marc Chagall