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Music Amuses Did you know that Mozart once played a joke on the bird-catcher in his opera “The Magic Flute”? Mozart completed his opera “The Magic Flute” on 28 September 1791, just two days before its first performance. The libretto was written by Schikaneder, who not only commissioned the opera but also performed the part of Papageno the bird-catcher. On one occasion, Mozart playfully tested his friend’s nerves. In an aria from the second act, Papageno is supposed to accompany himself on a set of bells. Normally Schikaneder would pantomime the movements, as an orchestral musician played the notes. That night, Mozart slipped into the orchestral pit and made some changes to the bell part, which not only surprised Schikaneder but also caused him no end of discomfort! Don't miss Sir Thomas Allen’s performance
of Papageno’s aria from Mozart’s “The Magic Flute”
at the CCOHK's upcoming Sir Thomas Allen &
CCOHK concert! |