OperaPremiered 1791Libretto by Emanuel Schikaneder
Synopsis
Prince Tamino is sent by the Queen of the Night to rescue her daughter Pamina from the high priest Sarastro. Accompanied by the birdcatcher Papageno, Tamino discovers that Sarastro is wise and benevolent, and the Queen is the true villain. The lovers must pass trials of silence, fire, and water to earn their place in Sarastro's enlightened order.