The Magic Flute digital resource book

THE STORY
ACT I
Tamino is saved from a serpent by the Queen of the Night’s
Three Ladies. Papageno pretends he killed the serpent and
the Three Ladies tell him off for lying. They show Tamino
a picture of the Queen’s daughter Pamina and he falls in
love with her. They explain that she is held prisoner by the
evil enchanter Sarastro. The Queen tells Tamino that he
can marry Pamina if he rescues her. The Three Ladies give
Tamino a magic flute and Papageno some magic bells.
Papageno arrives at Sarastro’s palace and finds Sarastro’s
servant Monostatos threatening Pamina. He helps her
escape and explains that Tamino will rescue her.
Tamino meets a wise old man who tells him that all is not
as it seems. Tamino plays his magic flute. Animals come
and dance, and at last Papageno answers with his pipes.
Pamina and Papageno are discovered by Monostatos and
his men. Papageno plays a cheerful tune on his magic bells
which enchants them, and they dance cheerfully away.
Pamina tells Sarastro and his followers about Monostatos’s
cruel behaviour, and Sarastro orders him to be punished.
Pamina and Tamino are overjoyed to meet at last. However,
Sarastro tells them that Tamino and Papageno must
undergo tests of wisdom. If they succeed, they can join
Sarastro’s Brotherhood.
ACT II
Sarastro and his Priests pray for Tamino and Papageno to
succeed in their tests. Sarastro is confident that Tamino can
become a wise man and live happily with Pamina.
Tamino and Papageno’s first test is to keep silent, even
when they are spoken to. Tamino is determined to keep
his promise, but Papageno is easily distracted, particularly
when the Queen’s Three Ladies arrive and warn them about
Sarastro.
Monostatos tries to kiss Pamina while she is asleep. He
hurries away as the Queen of the Night arrives. The Queen
gives Pamina a dagger and tells her to kill Sarastro. Pamina
is very upset and doesn’t know what to do.
Papageno has a strange encounter with an old woman who
tells him that her name is Papagena. Meanwhile Pamina
encounters Tamino, who – keeping his vow of silence –
won’t speak to her. Pamina is in despair.
• Will Pamina carry out her mother’s wicked plan?
• Will Sarastro take revenge on the Queen if Pamina
reveals her plot?
• Will Pamina discover why Tamino seems cold and silent?
• Will Papageno and Tamino pass their tests and join the
Brotherhood?
• And will Papageno finally find love?