The Magic Flute: A romantic fairy tale that delves into religious philosophy

Mozart’s The Magic Flute begins with a romantic fairy tale that delves into religious philosophy, exemplified by high priest Sarastro’s solemn, dignified and melodious aria, invoking “O Isis und Osiris” before Tamino and Pamina to go through a series of trials.  They’ll be allowed to get married if they pass the tests to prove they are worthy of entering the Temple of Light.  It is sort of a solemn prayer.

No wonder George Bernard Shaw (he began his career as a music critic) said, “It is the only music which might be put into the mouth of God without blasphemy.”

German Bass René Pape - Die Zauberflote - O Isis und Osiris (English caption)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeP0NOPAIys

O Isis und Osiris - Franz Josef Selig

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvejdHpyofw

莫札特的魔笛一開始像是 愛情童話故事, 演變成嚴肅的宗教哲學。所以我們看到了大祭司 Sarastro 唱的 aria (O Isis und Osiris). Tamino and Pamina 要通過一連串的考驗, 証明他們有資格進入光之神殿，才能結婚。也就是說 Sarastro 在他倆出發開始考驗前所唱的是一種神聖莊嚴的祈禱。這種 宗教 aria 要男低音才適合。

難怪蕭伯納（他是以音樂批評家起身的) 說, “It is the only music which might be put into the mouth of God without blasphemy.” (“這是唯一可以放在上帝口中而不會褻瀆神明的音樂.”)

German Bass René Pape - Die Zauberflote - O Isis und Osiris (English caption)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oeP0NOPAIys

O Isis und Osiris - Franz Josef Selig

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WvejdHpyofw