The Magic Flute

This version of Mozart's Die Zauberflöte, recorded in 1986 at the Sydney Opera House for Australian television, quite rightly bears the translated title, as it is sung in English. But while purists might object, this is an otherwise faithful rendition of the “magical” opera about young Prince Tamino's quest for love while caught in a struggle between the forces of enlightenment and darkness, even preserving the original's depiction of the villainous Monastatos as a black character—something often altered, or at least underplayed, in today's politically correct environment. While the image and sound qualities are merely adequate—typical of broadcast standards from two decades ago—the singing is quite good, even if Richard Bonynge isn't the most inspired of conductors. Although soprano Yvonne Kenny, as Tamino's love interest Pamina, is the only soloist with a major international career, the cast generally acquit themselves well, and the physical production, while spare, is serviceable for this vernacular version of The Magic Flute that lacks the visual delicacy of Ingmar Bergman's 1974 film (sung in Swedish) but is a reliable choice for those who want an English-language alternative to the German original. Unfortunately, subtitles aren't provided (even native English speakers may have some difficulty making out the words of the translation, which was originally prepared for the Welsh Opera), but musically this is a solid rendition of Mozart's late-career masterpiece. Presented in Dolby Digital stereo, this is recommended. Aud: C, P. (F. Swietek)