DIGITALLY RESTORED IN 2017
THE MAGIC FLUTE
OVERTURE
ACT I
O help me, ye gods! Will my prayers never reach you?
Deliver me now from this beast, I beseech you
Ye gods, show mercy
It's drawing so near
So terribly near
O help me now
O help and protect me now
Die, vicious beast!
Die by the spear!
O joy!
Now all 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 here for you
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 for you
- 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, is that so? I am to go?
She would thus be rid of us
Oh no!
Oh no, I shall not go
To have him for my very own now
If we were only left alone now
If they would leave him here with me
But no, alas
It's not to 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 for we must part
Farewell, we'll meet again
Farewell
We two will meet anew
A merry fowler here 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 mine alone
- You scared the bird off. - The bird?
I catch birds for the Queen of the Night.
So this is her territory? Have you ever seen her?
Are you mad?
She wouldn't show herself to just anybody.
What are you staring at? - You, of course.
You saved me from the dragon.
The dragon?
Well, the main thing is someone killed it.
- But how? You're unarmed. - A strong fist is enough.
Papageno!
No wine for you today... only water.
And a stone instead of cake.
And no sweet figs, 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 fortune, honor, and fame await.
The beauty of this wondrous face
divine in all its tender grace
A feeling is aroused in me
a hope of bliss and ecstasy
I can't comprehend this wistful yearning
But my bewildered heart is burning
Can it be love, this mystery?
Yes, it is!
I know that it must 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 would come true!
What is my dream?
That she were here that I might face her
And with a lover's gentle arms embrace her
Then she would be forever mine
The path to fortune lies open.
Our queen heard your every word.
She has read your heart.
She feels certain at last that her daughter can be rescued.
Pamina was abducted by a mighty sorcerer.
She lay asleep in the cypresses' shadow one day
when Sarastro crept up on her. - Sarastro!
Yes, a devilishly cunning man
who changes appearance at will.
Thus did he lure Pamina away.
I shall rescue her.
I swear by my love!
Listen, Tamino. You hear that distant thunder?
See how night falls over the mountain?
Our queen approaches.
No need to fear, my dearest friend
Your heart is gentle...
daring...
and 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 wanton deed...
destroyed the 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
O 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 lands you must explore
Yes, perilous lands 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 for telling lies
Listen! Papageno's talking!
Now do beware of telling lies
I'll never tell another lie
This padlock is your reason why
This padlock is my reason why
O that the lips of every liar
could be thus sealed and locked for good
Instead of malice, hate, and ire
we would have love and brotherhood
My prince, accept this gift from me
A present from Her Majesty
A magic flute she now has sent you
for your 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 magic flute
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
Not so fast! Our queen has plans for you too
With the prince be 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'd have me plucked and roasted and then feed me to the crows!
Why feel alarm?
The prince will keep you safe from harm
I wish that prince would go to blazes! My life is dear to me
I do not trust their pretty phrases They are no guarantee
A small advance is only fair
Well, well, what is in there?
These little bells that sweetly tingle
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 tell...
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 be wise
To always 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
to always do as we advise
It's time we went upon our way
Farewell We'll meet another day
We'll meet again
Now, Pamina, caught at last
O 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 will 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!
A way, 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 is the fiend himself
Yes, this must be the fiend himself
- Have mercy! - Me? Mercy?
- Please spare me! - Me? Spare you?
Go!
- Just who are you? - The Queen of the Night sent me.
My mother sent you? 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 indeed!
Everything matches.
Though according to this picture, you shouldn't have feet.
Where did you get this?
That's a long story. Has to do with a prince.
- What kind of prince? - I'm not exactly sure.
But he sent a picture.
Your mother took to him at once
and asked him to free you from Sarastro.
I've come on ahead of him.
Tamino is in love with you.
Tamino...
He's in love with me?
Then why isn't he here?
We've been looking separately. A bird showed me the way.
- What time is it? - It will be dark soon.
Sarastro will be back any minute now! Come!
Sarastro? Was he that cad?
That was his servant, Monostatos. If you only knew!
I can imagine. He looked like a real...
He is!
Come, we must hurry!
How do I know you're not one of Sarastro's evil spirits?
Me? I'm the kindest spirit in the world!
Forgive me. You do look good-hearted.
Hurry now!
But what does being good-hearted get me?
To think that Papageno still has no Papagena!
Poor man!
Not even a girlfriend to share some merry moments with...
Providence will surely send you a bride.
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 steadfast, 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 steadfast, silent, and obedient
Obey the rules and you will succeed
if you make use of this expedient
I strongly feel it would be wise
for me to do as they advise
Where am I now? And what's inside?
Could this be where the gods abide?
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
Turn back!
Turn back?
I'll try another door
Turn back!
The same words as before
A single door is left
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
Is Sarastro 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, be gone from deceit and fraud!
What do you mean by that?
Will you explain yourself?
Sarastro rules here
That is enough for me!
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 holy man
He is a tyrant and a brute!
You suffer from 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 shalljoin
our brotherhood
O endless night
You never lighten
When will this darkness ever brighten?
Soon...
soon...
or else...
nevermore!
Soon or nevermore, did they not say?
You hidden spirits, answer me
if yet Pamina lives
Pamina...
is alive
She is alive!
I thank you for that word
O that my voice in jubilation
could sing your praise and exaltation
Almighty ones, I'd thus impart
the feeling of relief in my heart
What power in your gentle voice
O sweet flute of magic
For your tones so soft and tender
a heaven here on earth engender
What power in your gentle sound
Your voice is full 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
Hear me, hear me now
In vain...
Where?
Pray tell, where can you be?
Ah, that's 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 heart and nimble feet
make for a discreet retreat
O Tamino, hurry now
or they'll get us anyhow
O Tamino, hurry, hurry now
Or they'll get us, get us, get us anyhow
Come, Tamino
Wait a minute, maybe we should take a chance here
O whatjoy 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, better hurry
Ha! Now 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 pay for this, believe me
Hurry up with 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 tinkling
How tender and gay
If only forever their 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!
Whatever shall we say?
Be honest...
and truthful
Be honest, come what may
Long live 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
Father...
I confess I disobeyed
I 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
Worry not
You have no need to fear me
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 yet I cannot set you free
My mother grieves for losing me
O my poor mother
She is within my power!
Your life is wasted from the hour
that you're left prey to her devices!
She is my mother, that suffices
I love her
She is proud and weak!
It is a man you need to guide you
A dvice from me you now must seek
With counsel fair I can provide you
My proud youngster, come this way our lord Sarastro to obey
- 'Tis he! - 'Tis she!
Yes, it is he!
- 'Tis she! - 'Tis 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
For my 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
For you, good man, I will allow...
Accept my gratitude, O Lord!
...forty lashes here and now!
Oh no!
Spare me your thanks 'Tis but my task
Long live Sarastro
We praise his decisions
We hail our master, his heavenly visions
Now for probation lead these two
into the temple to be tried
And let their eyes be veiled from sight
until their hearts be purified
Where virtue and benevolence
are given such preeminence
this heavenly affinity
yes, heavenly affinity
doth grant to man divinity
ACT II
Friends and brothers...
I solemnly open this assembly,
one of the most important in our history.
Tamino waits by the north gate.
He yearns 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 guarded in speech?
You deem him worthy, do you not?
Yes.
For Tamino I have destined my daughter Pamina.
For that reason I took her away from her mother,
the arrogant creature.
She would have our temple reduced to ashes
and destroy the holy writ of wisdom.
Her ultimate goal is to control the world.
Pamina and Tamino will protect our holy principles.
You mean for them to rule together
over our alliance and our kingdom?
In true love you find the origin of wisdom.
That is why I shall hand my power over
to Pamina and Tamino...
if they show themselves worthy
and endure their appointed trials.
Brothers...
do you approve of my decision?
Yes.
Ye gods of light
for your assistance
for this young pair
we now appeal
Lend them your wisdom
and persistence
and guide them
through their harsh ordeal
For their pains
richly requite them
But if the scythe of Death
should smite them
let them, when mortal life shall cease
dwell in your everlasting peace
Let Tamino and his companion be brought to the House of Trials.
You stand upon the threshold of the House of Trials.
You may still turn back...
but one more step and it's too late.
I strive for wisdom. Pamina's love will be my reward.
Then you are prepared to endure the three trials?
Would you too strive to obtain wisdom?
Pardon? What was that again?
Would you strive to obtain wisdom?
No, thank you.
Good food and drink and sleep will do for me.
Supposing we found you a pretty and virtuous wife?
Yes!
I mean... no, thanks.
Not even if Sarastro has a girl lined up just for you...
one quite like yourself in coloring and dress?
Like me?
Is she young? - Young and pretty.
What's her name?
Papagena.
Papagena? Now I'm curious!
I'd like to see her!
Fine, but you mustn't speak to her until your three trials are over.
Will you be steadfast enough to curb your tongue?
Then you shall see her. Go inside.
The people he sends me!
Your first trial will soon begin.
Tamino, isn't it awfully dark?
What is this? Are you fools enough to stay?
If you're wise you will flee without delay!
Tamino, you're bound to die now
Papageno, better fly now
- No, don't tell me things like that! - Papageno, no more chat!
This is only a temptation Don't engage in conversation
- But we're lost! Did you not hear? - Do not talk and do not fear!
Do not talk and do not fear!
Soon you shall see Her Majesty for she has come here secretly
- She has? Then where is she? - Be quiet! Do not talk!
Think about the oath you swore Do not break it anymore
Tamino, don't be so confiding
The queen's advice to you was good
An evil spirit is presiding over this "sacred" brotherhood
A wise man trusts himself alone and forms opinions of his own
He forms opinions of his own!
It's also said the devil feasts upon the victims of the priests
The devil feasts down there below!
Tamino, is that so?
A wise man feels no need to squawk because of vile, malicious talk
To trust the queen I am inclined
A queen still has a woman's mind
Trust me instead and speak no more
Think of the solemn oath you swore!
Your manner seems aloof and distant
Why, Papageno, so resistant?
- It isn't that I would... - Hush!
- But he believes I should... - Hush!
Oh, what a difficult position!
My sense of duty is too small
This is indeed a hopeless mission
They cannot be provoked at all
They have indeed a hopeless mission
We cannot be provoked at all
The strong are different from the weak
in that they think before they speak
They always think before they speak
Our temple's been defiled! To hell those women are exiled!
O woe!
Woe is me!
What's the matter?
Pull yourself together now. Be a man!
Man be damned! Why must I endure all these torments?
If the gods intend Papagena for me, why all these nightmares?
Come now. I have orders to lead you on.
On this endless journey, love may be lost on the way.
Come!
I don't trust him.
Everywhere in sweet seclusion lovers cuddle, bill, and coo
I alone must face exclusion for my skin's a darkish hue
Must I be forever burning
And be scoffed at for my lust?
Women spurn my ardent yearning
It arouses but disgust
Oh, to have this maiden love me though of course she is taboo
Gentle moon up there above me, she is white and fair like you
Though she find me reprehensive
I shall own her here tonight
Should you think it too offensive
Gentle moon, put out your light
Mother!
Have you come to take me home?
What is it?
Why do you look at me like that?
You frighten me, Mother!
Revenge and hatred are raging in my bosom
With desperation...
With desperation I am torn apart
You now must kill Sarastro to avenge me
Yes, kill him to avenge me...
Or be disowned forever in my heart
Disowned by me
forever shall you be
You shall be disowned by me
Forever shall you be disowned by me
You shall be plagued forever
Cursed and renounced forever
I ruthlessly shall sever
every bond between us two
I'll curse you forever
I shall sever every bond between us two
I shall sever our every bond
If by your hand
Sarastro does not perish
Hear!
Oh hear!
Ye gods of vengeance...
hear a mother's oath!
Confide in me now.
What are you afraid of?
My love?
Or your plans of murder?
- What do you know of that? - Everything.
You and your mother are in my power now.
There's but one way to save you both. - No!
Then you must die.
Pamina, what's the matter?
Father, do not take revenge on my mother.
Revenge?
You must have had a nightmare.
I'll sit here beside you until you've calmed down.
Within these sacred portals
revenge and hatred must cease
The souls of straying mortals
in love will find release
When guided by a brother's hand
they soon shall find a better land
No wrath may be permitted
within these sacred walls
No guile may be admitted
within these hallowed halls
He who will not forgive his foe
condemns himself to grief and woe
The time has come for your second trial.
Don't forget: Silence!
- Where is Pamina? - You will see her soon.
But you must not speak to her.
Papageno, whoever breaks the silence here
is punished by the gods.
But I...
Tamino, did you see...
I wish I were back in the woods.
At least I might hear a bird...
There is a missing feature
in Papageno's life
A tender little creature
to be my wedded wife
Her kiss would prevent me from thinking
of trifles like eating and drinking
Oh, love is a marvelous thing
A beggar may feel like a king
Why bother with eating
and drinking?
Oh, love is a marvelous thing
A beggar may feel like a king
I shall feel like a king
There is a missing feature
in Papageno's life
A tender little creature
to be my wedded wife
But nobody seems to select me
In fact, they all seem to neglect me
To end up as nobody's groom
Oh my, what a picture of gloom
I wonder why they all reject me
To end up as nobody's mate
Oh my, what a tedious fate
How long must I wait?
Not even a drop of water to drink.
For me?
Is this a treat you offer all strangers?
Then I suppose visitors don't often bother you.
That's what I thought.
Come keep me company. Lessen my boredom.
How old are you?
How old?
Eighteen years and two minutes.
Eighteen years and two minutes?
That young?
I suppose you have a sweetheart. - You bet!
Is he as young as you?
I'd say he's about...
ten years older.
Ten years older? That's love for you!
What's his name?
His name is Papageno.
Just where is this Papageno of yours?
Sitting right here!
I'm your sweetheart?
What's your name?
My name is Papagena.
Papagena?
Has something upset you?
Why won't you speak to your Pamina?
Don't you love me anymore?
Brief and bitter seems my rapture
for my bliss will not last
If your heart I failed to capture
joy must be forever past
I am weary
and my heart is full of grief
If my love be unrequited...
then only death...
only death can bring relief
Soon golden rays in sweet profusion
will drive away the night
Disperse the clouds of dark delusion
Let wisdom shine its light
O blissful peace, have pity on us
Descend and shine your light upon us
This heavenly affinity
does grant to man divinity
Yes, it grants to man divinity
Yet look, despair torments Pamina
So desperate we've never seen her
She feels rejected and forsaken
She does not know she is mistaken
Poor girl, it really is a shame
If but her dear Tamino came
Oh well, perhaps we'd better stand aside
to see what she might now decide
So you are now my groom-to-be
Well then, sweet dagger, set me free
Although her meaning is not plain
she seems to verge on the insane
Beloved, we shall never part
Forever now I'll keep you safely in my heart
She is utterly demented
Suicide must be prevented
Dear Pamina...
look at us
No, I will be severed thus
from the man who did so hurt me
and did bitterly desert me
Mother gave me this knife
It's a sin to take one's life
I prefer the briefer anguish
From grief I'd slowly languish
Mother! Mother!
You've sacrificed me
From your curse I cannot flee
Come with us and all is well
No, I hear the distant knell
You who failed me, now farewell
Soon Pamina's death you'll see
Then you'll have murdered me!
Stop! A warning's overdue!
If Tamino saw your error
he would simply die of terror
for he loves no one but you
If he loved me, then how could he?
Turn his back on me? Why would he?
Why did he turn away?
Why would he give no answer?
We may give no explanation
But a sample illustration of his ardor we may show
Come and see what he endures
for the sake of you and yours
- To Tamino let us go - Hurry now, I miss him so
Two hearts that love has conjugated
cannot by man be separated
They need never fear a foe The gods protect them where they go
Dearest darling little sweetheart It's futile
O woe, now she has vanished
Through my own fault now I am banished
I plain forgot talking was unauthorized
Therefore have I been penalized
Since she appeared before my sight
since I was pierced by Cupid's dart
throbbing away both day and night is my poor heart
Papagena, hear my plea
Papagena, come to me
No, she doesn't care about me Seems they all can do without me
I did hope to get a wife Now a rope will end my life
This tree will do me nicely
Suits my purposes precisely
This will be my last adieu Cruel world, good-bye to you
You could tease me and torment me but not with a girl present me
I'm as wretched as can be
Pretty maidens, think of me
Will not one among you take me? Think how happy it would make me
There is time to snatch me yet
Now what answer shall I get?
There's no answer, no replying
No one cares that I am dying
Papageno, now's the time Face your death and start to climb
I'll just wait a minute There's really no harm in it
Now let us see Shall I count from one to three?
One...
Two...
Now, what am I waiting for?
I must hesitate no more
I shall on earth no longer dwell
Now you faithless world, farewell
You fool!
Oh Papageno, stop it. Why?
Your only life's lost if you die
Spare me your witty moralizing
You wouldn't be so patronizing
if you were old enough to know
Perhaps you wouldn't feel so tragic
if you had used your bells of magic
Now, how could I forget about them?
No wonder that I fail without them
My little bells, ring sweetly for me
and call my darling girl to me
Tinkle, bells, andjingle Bring my little dove
Tinkle, bells, andjingle Bring my only love
Papageno, turn and see!
Will you now be mine forever?
I belong to you forever
Then I'll be your tender hubby
And I'll be your little missus
Oh, to think of future joys!
If the gods their grace award us...
in due time they will accord us
a lovely brood of girls and boys
First a little Papageno
Then a little Papagena
Then another Papageno
Then another Papagena
We do not need a lucky penny
With many, many, many, many Papagenos and Papagenas
we shall be fortunate indeed
Your father permits you to visit Tamino in the House of Trials.
You are to give him his flute.
I'm to show you the way.
Come.
O comrades...
in our brotherhood
see what splendor...
when clouds of night
to conquering light surrender
Fair dawn, to your delight
our friend Tamino wakes
Soon to our sacred band
he'll swear allegiance
He is a bold...
and virtuous youth
Soon, soon...
he will be worthy
of the Truth
Tamino, your third and most difficult trial remains.
For him who journeys toward the light
and flees the dark travails of night
Earth and water, fire and air
will cleanse his soul and strip it bare
He who is steadfast and endures
this deadly passage to the end
With spirit clean and purified
will to heaven's heights ascend
The gods of wisdom
shall his eyes unseal
And thus to him
the mystery of life reveal
I do not fear the unknown yonder
The virtuous path I long to wander
O Death, unlock your fearful gate
Your trials boldly I await
Tamino, wait!
I shall go with you!
Do I hear Pamina calling?
Oh yes, that was Pamina calling
O joy! Now she will come with me
Now each will keep the other's heart
In life or death no more to part
But am I still to silence bound?
No, your voice may now resound
Whatjoy to wander hand in hand
into a truly promised land
Two lovers who have death defied
to them no favors are denied
Tamino mine!
O bliss divine!
Pamina mine!
O bliss divine!
Beyond these gates I fear we
shall see dark Death abide
But I shall have you near me
and face him by your side
Let me your guardian be
My love is leading me
Our path with roses love adorns
There must be roses 'mong the thorns
Now take your magic flute and play
It will protect us on our way
My father once one midnight hour did wander
in the sacred bower
He carved it from an ancient oak
mid tempest's roar
and thunderstroke!
So therefore take the flute and play
for it will shield us on our way
Enlivened by its magic might
We'll wander through the realms of night
Our passage through the scorching fire
the flute did aid us to endure
Against the waves we will require
its help again to feel secure
O gods! A moment such as this
inaugurates eternal bliss!
Rejoice!
Rejoice, triumphant pair!
You have subdued death and despair!
You shall initiated be!
A dvance, advance!
A dvance into our sanctuary!
Be quiet now, be quiet
Soon we shall break into the shrine
My queen, now keep your word
and grant that your Pamina will be mine
I'll keep my word
And I will shortly to you Pamina's hand assign
But do you hear a dreadful rumbling
as of a roaring waterfall?
Or as if stones and rocks were tumbling
An echo of a thundering brawl
Sarastro shall regret those lashes
His temple shall be burned to ashes
He and his righteous brotherhood
are soon to be destroyed for good!
Queen of the Night, only raise your hand
We will obey every command
Our power is shattered, our might destroyed!
Our bodies are hurled into the void!
The radiant sun overpowers the night
And darkness surrenders
to wisdom and light
Hail, ye true and faithful
Your glory prevails
Our thanks...
Our thanks to you, Sarastro
We bid you farewell
Victorious Truth will enhance his renown
with Beauty and Virtue both sharing his crown!