In diesen heil'gen Hallen

Bruno Walter, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra
(Recorded 26th December, 1942, Metropolitan Opera House)

Translation by Ruth and Thomas Martin.

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The Magic Flute (German: Die Zauberflöte) is an opera in two acts by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart to a German libretto by Emanuel Schikaneder. The work was first performed at the Freihaus-Theater auf der Wieden in Vienna on 30th September, 1791, just two months before the composer's premature death.

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Paul Jackson in his book “Saturday Afternoons at the Old Met“ writes:

“Pinza supplies [humanity] aplenty. Sarastro’s song is heartfelt, and though the language is not English (“Thou art bidden” comes out “Thou art beeden”), Pinza’s music is Mozart. Everywhere Walter’s sure-handed oversight is evident. Pinza’s solos in the second act are of the highest order, rolling out in rich organ like tones, both the highs and lows on call; they contrast curiously with his spoken lines, which are delivered in a light, conversational manner.”