Die Zauberflöte: What's in a Title?

Authors

Harrison Powley

Keywords

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, Zauberflöte

Abstract

Scholars have argued over Die Zauberflöte for many years. Is it a fairy-tale opera, a metaphorical discussion of Masonic and Rosicrucian beliefs, or a contemporary political or philosophical commentary on the 1780s and the Enlightenment? It can be all these and more, but for many in the audience during fall 1791 it was entertainment, pure and simple. The audience at the Theater auf der Weiden came from all levels of society. The nobility and educated attended as well as the working and servant classes.

Recommended Citation

Powley, Harrison (2004) "Die Zauberflöte: What's in a Title?," BYU Studies Quarterly: Vol. 43: Iss. 3, Article 15.
Available at: https://scholarsarchive.byu.edu/byusq/vol43/iss3/15