Cocktail Party Fact: The Magic Flute is not really an opera, but a Singspiel, with arias and ensembles separated by spoken dialogue instead of sung recitative.

Here’s the plot: Pamina, daughter of the Queen of the Night, has been kidnapped by Sarastro, the High Priest of Isis, who hopes to protect the Princess from her mother’s evil influence. Tamino, a young Prince who has fallen in love with Pamina’s picture, is persuaded by the Queen to rescue the Princess. He sets out accompanied by Papageno, a bird-catcher. They have been armed with a magic flute and a set of bells which will save them from mortal dangers. They are captured by Sarastro, who ordains that Tamino and Pamina shall wed once Tamino has passed through a series of initiations. Both undergo a number of trials, and are successful. Thwarted, the Queen plots to destroy the temple, but is foiled by the rising sun. Tamino and Pamina are happily united, and Papageno finds love with a bird-woman of his own, Papagena.

Memorable Melodies: “Der Vogelfanger bin ich Ja”; “Dies Bildnis”; “Ach, ich Fuhls”; “Der Holle Rache”.

Vital Statistics: Music by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart; libretto by Emanuel Schikaneder; first produced at the Theater auf der Weiden, Vienna, on September 30, 1791.

Why See It?: Beethoven prized The Magic Flute above all other operas of Mozart, not only because of the lofty sentiments of the plot, but because it contained such a staggering variety of music. From noble and uplifting to meltingly sentimental, this opera has it all. With its charming, fairy tale atmosphere and happy ending, it remains the perfect way to introduce children — and adults — to opera.