Mozart The Magic Flute Queen Of The Night Aria Lyrics
If you're a lover of opera, you've likely heard the Queen of the Night aria from Mozart's The Magic Flute. This iconic operatic piece has been performed countless times since the opera's debut in 1791. Its haunting melody and powerful lyrics have captured the hearts of music lovers for centuries. In this article, we'll dive into the story behind the Queen of the Night aria and explore the meaning behind its lyrics.
The Magic Flute: A Brief Overview
The Magic Flute, or Die Zauberflöte in German, is a two-act opera composed by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart. The opera premiered in Vienna in September 1791, just two months before Mozart's death. The Magic Flute is known for its complex characters, intricate plot, and stunning music. The Queen of the Night aria is just one of the many memorable pieces from the opera.
The Queen of the Night Aria: Lyrics and Translation
The Queen of the Night aria, also known as "Der Hölle Rache kocht in meinem Herzen" in German, is sung by the character Queen of the Night in Act II of The Magic Flute. Here are the original German lyrics:
"Der Hölle Rache kocht in meinem Herzen,Tod und Verzweiflung flammet um mich her!Fühlt nicht durch dich SarastroTodesschmerzen,So bist du meine Tochter nimmermehr."
And here is an English translation of the lyrics:
"The vengeance of Hell boils in my heart,Death and despair flame about me!If Sarastro does not through you feelThe pain of death,Then you will be my daughter nevermore."
The Queen of the Night is a complex character in The Magic Flute. She is the mother of Pamina, the female lead, and is determined to avenge her husband's death by killing Sarastro, the leader of a rival group. The Queen of the Night's aria is a powerful expression of her anger and desire for revenge.
The Meaning Behind the Queen of the Night Aria
The Queen of the Night aria is a powerful expression of the character's emotions. The lyrics paint a vivid picture of the Queen's anger and desire for revenge. The first line, "The vengeance of Hell boils in my heart," sets the tone for the rest of the aria. The Queen is consumed by her hatred for Sarastro and her desire to avenge her husband's death.
The second line, "Death and despair flame about me," is a powerful image of the Queen's emotional state. She is surrounded by darkness and despair, and her only way out is through revenge. The third and fourth lines reveal the Queen's true motive. She wants Sarastro to feel the pain of death through her daughter, Pamina. This reveals the Queen's true character and her willingness to use her daughter as a pawn in her revenge plot.
Overall, the Queen of the Night aria is a powerful expression of human emotion. The lyrics and music combine to create a haunting and memorable piece of opera that has stood the test of time.
Conclusion
The Queen of the Night aria from Mozart's The Magic Flute is one of the most iconic pieces of opera ever composed. Its powerful lyrics and haunting melody have captivated audiences for centuries. In this article, we explored the story behind the Queen of the Night aria and the meaning behind its lyrics. We hope you enjoyed learning about this classic piece of music.