Magic Flute Guide

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A Synopsis of the Opera
Papageno costume sketch by Dale Ferguson
ACT II
The priests agree that Tamino may undertake the trials for admission to
their brotherhood. Sarastro explains that the gods have chosen Pamina
for Tamino; this is why Sarastro has abducted her from her mother,
whom he considers dangerous. Sarastro instructs Pamina to bid her
beloved farewell before his trials begin. The priests pray with Sarastro
(Aria with Chorus: ).
The prince vows to conquer all obstacles to win Pamina. Papageno is
uninterested in the trials until he hears that Sarastro has chosen a bride
for him named Papagena. Both men are ordered to remain silent.
Papageno finds this difficult when the queen’s ladies appear. Steadfast
Tamino and unhappy Papageno are led to their next trial.
Monostatos is about to kiss the sleeping Pamina when he is stopped by
the queen. Giving her daughter a dagger, she commands that Pamina
slay Sarastro (Aria: ). Monostatos again threatens
Pamina, but this time Sarastro intervenes and comforts her.
Papageno forgets his vow of silence when an old woman arrives to
keep him company. The Three Boys return the flute and bells. Tamino
plays his flute, and its sound immediately brings Pamina. When he
refuses to speak to her, she is heartbroken (Aria: ).
After trumpets call the prince and the birdcatcher to the next trial, the
priests praise Tamino and inform Papageno he will not be admitted to
the brotherhood. He couldn’t care less – all he wants is good wine and
company. The old woman appears again and warns him that he will be
locked up forever if he does not marry her. Once he agrees, she turns
into lovely Papagena! When Papageno tries to embrace her, the priests
drag her away.
Pamina attempts suicide, but the Three Boys stop her and assure her of
Tamino’s love. Ecstatic to be joined by Pamina, the prince successfully
negotiates the final trials and voices are heard welcoming the couple
to the temple.
Papageno is about to kill himself when the Three Boys advise him to
play the bells. When he does so, Papagena miraculously appears. The
queen and her cohorts attempt to storm the temple, but are defeated.
Sarastro proclaims the sun’s victory over darkness. As the priests offer
thanks to Isis and Osiris (Chorus: , Tamino and
Pamina receive the laurels of wisdom.