THE MAGIC FLUTE
OVERTURE
ACT I
Oh, help me, ye gods, will my prayers never reach you?
Deliver me now from this beast, I beseech you
Ye gods, show me mercy
It's drawing so near
So terribly near...
Oh, help me now
Oh help and protect me now
Die, vicious beast, die by the spear
Oh joy!
No wall his fear can disappear
He is released
Our valor saved him from the beast
This is indeed a youth most fair
Such beauty in a man is rare
Indeed, he has a graceful air
Could I by love enchanted be
this youth alone could capture me
Now to the Queen. We must not linger
This joyful message we must bring her
Would that this youth a way could find
to give her back her peace of mind
So hasten now, you two. I'll guard him hereforyou
No,you go. I must say it's better that I stay
What is this all about? I'll do the watching out
I'll guard him here fo ryou
- It's better that I stay - I'll do the watching out
- I'll guard him - I'm staying
I'll watch him
Is that so?
I am to go?
Oh no!
Oh no - ah, that is so? I am to go?
She would thus be rid of us
Oh no!
Oh no, I shall not go
To have him formy very own now
if we were only left alone now
if they would leave him here with me
But no -alas. It shall not be
And if that's so I'd better go
I'll go, I'll go
Adonis, keeper of my heart
Now fare thee well forwe must part
Farewell,we'll meet again
Farewell
We two will meet a new
A fowler gay in me you see
There are not many more like me
I am a well-known person here
belov'd wherever I appear
I play my pipe and at the sound
all kinds of birds do flock around
By catching birds I earned my fame
and Papageno is my name
Of course I'm happy in my trade
but I get lonesome for a maid
Alone I wander all day long
and only birds can hear my song
No girls come flocking 'round my feet
although my melody is sweet
I want a maiden of my own
to have and keep for me alone
Now you frightened him. I catch birds for the Queen of the Night
So this is her territory? Have you ever seen her?
You must be mad. She wouldn't show herself to just anybody
-Whatareyou staring at? -Ofcourse
You saved mefrom the dragon
Dragon, indeed
Well,the main thing is someone killed it
- But how? You're unarmed - I've gota strong fist
Papageno!
Now in today. Only water...
And no cake. Butyou may have a stone
No sweet figs either. But pray, accept this padlock for your lips
Prince Tamino, be still
Our Queen sends you this locket with her daughter's picture
If you are not indifferent to her features
then bliss, honor, and fame await you
The beauty of this wondrous face
divine in all its tenderg race
a feeling is aroused in me
A hope of bliss and ecstasy
I can'tcomprehend this wistfuly earning
Butmy bewildered heart is burning
Can it be love, this mystery?
It is
I know that itmust be
I know it, I know it
What else but love could it be?
Where does she dwell, my heart's desire?
How might I best her love inspire?
If only now my dream came true
What is mydream?
Thatshewere here so I could face her
And with a lover's gentle arms embrace her
Then she would beforevermine
then she would be forever mine
-The path to fortune lies open -Our Queen has heard every word
She has read your heart
At last, she feels certain her daughter can be rescued
Pamina was abducted bya mighty sorcerer
She lay asleep under the cypresses one day
when Sarastro crept up to her
Yes, he is a devilishly cunning man
with many different guises
And he lured Pamina away
I shall rescue her, I swear by my love
Listen,Tamino - Do you hear a distant thunder?
- Nightfalls over the mountain - Our Queen is coming
No need tofear, mydearestfriend
Your heart is gentle
daring
pure
And you alone have the strength and power
to aid a mother in her darkest hour
Life holds for me but grief and sorrow
since my dear child was lured away
Now gray and cloudy dawns each morrow
A want on deed
destroyed my peace of yesterday
The memory still daunts me
Forever it haunts me
Her vain protestation
her sad lamentation
I heard her crying in the distance
Oh, help!
In vain she had to plead
I could not come to her assistance
I failed her in her hour of need
My power failed me
in her hour of need
You must go
through hell and through high water
Perilous land you must explore
Yes, perilous land you must explore
But if you bring me back my daughter
then she is yours forever more
Then she is yours...
forever more
Do I sleep or do I wake?
Is this a dream or reality?
Your punishment was prompt indeed
but I think they were too hard on you
It's hardly pity that you need
but alas, there's nothing I can do
Our Queen, so merciful and wise now pardons you fortelling lies
- Hey listen - Papageno'stalking - Now do beware of telling lies
- I'll never tell another lie -The padlock is your reason why
the padlock is my reason why
Oh that the lips of every liar
could thus be sealed and locked forgood
Instead of malice, hate, and ire
we would have love and brotherhood
My Prince, accept this giftfrom me, a present from Her Majesty
A magic flute she now has sent you
foryour protection on this venture
Just play, and you may take for granted
your listeners will be enchanted
The sad will feel the joy of life
The bachelor will seek a wife
Such a magicflute is
a treasure of tremendous worth
For by its sound man is inspired
to live in peace with all on earth
It is time for me to go now
- Ladies. Now good bye to you. - Notsofast
We'll let you know now what our Queen wants you to do
With the Prince, go on your way now to Sarastro. No delay now
No, indeed, I must decline. That's not really in my line
To Sarastro...Thank you, no. If our venture should miscarry
he would have me plucked and roasted and then feed me to the crow
Why feel alarm? -The Prince will keep you safe from harm
Oh that the Prince would goto blazes - My life is dear to me
I do not trust their pretty phrases. They are no guarantee
-A small advance is onlyfair -Well, well, what is in there?
These little bells that sweetly tingle
And could I also make them jingle?
But of course - yes, certainly!
Flute of magic, bells of vision
keep us safe upon our mission
Now good luck, you fearless men
Now farewell, we'll meet again
But we don't know the way. Pray tells.
where does this vile Sarastro dwell?
We are three spirits to attend you
Our help and counsel we will lend you
Just keep in mind that you'd bewise
always to do as we advise
They are three spirits to attend us
Their help and counsel they will lend us
Just keep in mind that you'd be wise
always to do as we advise
It's time that we went on our way
Farewell, we'll meet another day
We'll meet again
- Now, Pamina. Caught at last -Oh, my heart, don't beat so fast
- Don't think you'll ever leave - It's not for myself I grieve
But my poor mother'll die, I fear
from losing one she held so dear
Pamina, you will be locked in so that you can't escape us
I'd rather have you kill me
Barbarian! Now strike me down
Away, away! Now let us be alone
This puzzles me - whose house is this?
But look- there is Pamina. This is too good to miss
Good evening, my dear girl Say, what is going on here?
This surely isthefiend himself
Yes,this must bethefiend himself
- Have mercy! - Me? Mercy?
- Please spare me now! - I? Spare you now?
Go
-Who are you? -The Queen ofthe Night sent me
- My mother...What's your name? - Papageno. But let me check first
"Beautiful eyes"...yes
Though a little red
"Fair hair"... it is fair
"Red lips"...your lips are red
Everything's right
Except the feet. ccording to this picture, you don't have feet
Where did you get that?
A long story. I'm keeping it for the Prince
-What Prince? - I'm notsure
But here is his picture
Your mother took to him at once and asked him to free you from Sarastro
I've come before him
Tamino is in love with you
Tamino, in love with me?
Then why is he not here?
We've been looking separately. A bird showed metheway
What time is it? Sarastro will be home any minute now. Come
-Sarastro? Was he the cad? - No. His servant, Monostatos
- If you knew - I can imagine. He looked a real -
So he is. Come, we must hurry
How do I know you're no tone of Sarastro's evil spirits?
Me? Why, I'm the best spirit in the world
-You do look good-hearted -That's for sure. But hurry now
Anyway, what do I want with a heart?
When I think that Papageno still has no Papagena...
Not even a girlfriend to share my merry moments with
-You'll soon find a sweetheart - I'll tell you one thing, though
A man by gentle love inspired
will have a heart that's kind and good
to listen to his heart's desires
How sweet the lot of womanhood
For love will warm us day and night
Love is the source of true delight
Love brings relief in pain and sorrow
It soothes a soul in misery
Love holds the key to each tomorrow
In it is born Eternity
For love's sweet sake the world began
Woman and man, thus love began
Love is pure
and love is bright
Lovers are each other's light
Heaven doth them both unite
This path will lead you to your goal
If you pay heed to this expedient
Here are the rules: don't lose control
Be stead fast
silent
and obedient
But listen, tell me first, you three
When will Pamina be set free?
We must not tell, no use to plead
Be stead fast, silenta nd obedient
Obey the rules and you will succeed
if you make use of this expedient
I strongly feel it would bewise
for me to do as they advise
Where am I now? Which path is right?
And could this be a godly site?
The gates and the columns, their towering beauty
would point to a reign of art, wisdom and duty
Where art is protected and beauty may dwell
the people are happy, the master rules well
Alone I shall venture to open the door
My purpose is noble, my motives are pure
Sarastro, mark these words, you scum
To save Pamina
I have come
Stand back
Stand back?
I'll try another door
Stand back
The same words as before
One single entrance is left Now shall I be dismissed once more?
Bold stranger, pray,what do you want?
What brings you to this sanctuary?
I seek the mistress of my heart
A worthy cause, it would appear
And yet you will not be admitted
It isn't love that brings you here
To evil powers you have submitted
Revenge on the barbarian!
In our company you won't find him
Sarastro, is he not your leader?
Oh yes, Sarastro rules these parts
But surely not the Temple here?
Oh yes, he rules the Temple here
Then all must be hypocrisy
So you would leave us now?
I want to leave. -Yes, begone,
gone from deceit and fraud
What do you mean byt hat? Will you explain yourself?.
Sarastro rules here. That is enough forme
If life is dear to you, then speak now. Tell me all
-Sarastro you abhor? - I loathe his very name
- He is a great and holyman - He is a tyrantand a brute
You sufferfrom a misconception
The victim of his vile deception told me Sarastro stole her child
That woman would have you beguiled
Her venom poisons every word
And you believe what you have heard?
If Sarastro now were here
then he could make his purpose clear
Well, it's obvious to me
Am I erroneously instructed? Pamina, was she not abducted?
That's correct, yes I agree
Where is she? Still alive and well?
Or is she dead? What have they done?
Be patient yet a while, my son
I am instructed not to tell
Explain this puzzle. Tell me now
I'm still obliged to keep my vow
But when am I to know the answer?
As soon as it is understood
that you shall join
our brotherhood
Oh endless night
you never lighten
When will the darkness ever brighten?
Soon or never
evermore...
Soon or never, did they notsay?
You hidden spirits, answer me if yet Pamina lives
Pa -mi - na
is alive
Yet alive? I thank you forthatword
Oh that my voice injubilation
could sing your praise and exaltation,
Almighty Ones, I'd thus impart
the feeling of relief
in my heart
What power in your gentlev oice
sweet flute ofmagic
For you rtones so soft and tender
a heaven here on earth engender
What power in your gentle sound
Your voice isfull of magic splendor
For your tones so soft engender
on earth a blissful heaven...
But-my Pamina
my Pamina does not hear
My Pamina is not here
Pamina!
Hear me, hear me now
In vain...
Where?
Where? Pray tell, where can you be?
Ah,that is Papageno's flute
Perhaps she's coming here with him Yes, she has heard my melody
She heard my flute
My darling will be free
The flute will bring her here to me
Fearless hearta nd nimble feet make for a discreet retreat
Oh, Tamino, hurry now, or they'll get us any how
Oh Tamino, hurry, hurry now
Or they'll get us, get us, get us any how
Come, Tamino
Wait a minute, maybe we should take a chance here
Oh what joy to hear him answer. He has heard us, he is near
And his flute is pure and clear
Could this be the end of worry?
Better hurry better hurry
Ha! Seems like you both are caught!
Bring me manacles and fetters - you have lost out to your betters
Now I'll teach you to deceive me. You will smart forth is, believe me
Hurry upw ith chains and rope
-Shall we really give up hope? - Hurry up with chains and rope
Faint hearts never won a single thing
Little bells, let's hear you ring. We must really take a chance
Let us risk a song and dance
How sweet is their tinkle, how tenderand gay
If only forever the music would play
Sweetly chiming bells, your worth is beyond all measure
Would that every man on earth owned so dear a treasure
Then to your harmonious sound love would flourish all around
It would mean the end of strife, fear and violations
Man would lead a peaceful life
Love would heal the nations
We praise thee, Sarastro. Long live our master
What now will befall us? What awful disaster?
My friend, this is the end, I fear
We soon shall have Sarastro here
Oh, if I were a mouse I'd find a hole to hide in
Or if a snail, I'd glide into my little house
Oh dear
What ever shall we say?
Be honest
and truthful
Honest, come wha tmay
Long life to Sarastro. We praise his decisions
We hail our master, his heavenly visions
He wisely decides and we gladly obey
he is our prophet, he shows us the way
Sir...
I confess, I disobeyed,
escaped, because I was afraid
The blame,though, should not rest with me
The wicked Moor sought to abuse me
and that is why I tried to flee
Arise, you have no need to fea rme
I do not ask for a confession
a reason why you would depart
I know the secret of your heart
yes,the secret of your heart
You acted under love's impression
and yet I cannot set you free
You acted under love's impression
and...
and yet I cannot set you free
My mother grieves for losing me
Oh, my poor mother
She is within my power
Your life is wasted from the hour that you are left to her devices
She is my mother, that suffices
I love her
She is proud and weak
It is a manyou need to guide you
Advice from me you now must seek
With counsel fair I can provide you
My proud youngster, come this way, our lord Sarastroto obey
-'Tis he -'Tis she
Yes, it is he
Oh, can it be
My arms must reach out to you
and if I die for what I do...
-This is peculiar - Have you no shame at all?
This is indecent, let go at once!
See your servant kneel before you
Formy reward I now implore you to punish the audacious lad
You must know the plans he had?
To snatch her was his foul intention
until I made my intervention
- I beg you, hear me now, o Lord -Yes,you deserve a just reward
- Fo rthis good man I will allow -Accep my gratitude, o Lord
Forty lashes now
Oh no
Spare me your thanks, 'tis but my task
Long life to Sarastro. We praise his decisions
We hail ourmaster his heavenly visions
Now for probation lead these two into the Temple to be tried
And let their eyes beveiled from sight
until their hearts are purified
Where virtue and benevolence
are given such preeminence
this heavenly affinity
yes, heavenly affinity
does grantto man divinity
ACT Il
Friends and brothers
I solemnly declare this assembly to be of the utmost importance
Tamino is waiting bythe north gate
He intensely desires to find a goal and purpose in life
and aspires to become a member of our brotherhood
- Is he virtuous? - He is
- Is he fearless? - He is
Is he reticent?
You deem him worthy, do you not?
Yes
For Tamino, I have destined mydaughter Pamina
Therefore I took her away from her mother,the arrogant creature
She would have our Temple reduced to ashes
and destroy the holy writ o fwisdom!
Her ultimate purpose is to control the world.
Pamina and Tamino shall protect our holy principles
You want them to rule together over our alliance and our kingdom?
In true love you shall find the origin of wisdom
That is why I shall resign my power to Pamina and Tamino
if they show themselves worthy and endure their appointed trials
Brothers, doyou approve of my decision?
Yes
Ye gods oflight for your assistance
to this young pair we now appeal
Lend them your wisdom and persistence
Thus guidet hem through their harsh ordeal
For their pains
richly requite them