The appalled Tamino mentions the queen’s misery and inquires after Pamina. When Tamino approaches the Temple of Wisdom, a priest informs him that Sarastro rules here. The genii lead Tamino to Sarastro’s temples, but voices order him to stand back from the first and second portal. She consoles Papageno, who has no sweetheart. The birdcatcher tells the astonished Pamina that Tamino loves her. Having attempted to escape from Sarastro, Pamina is dragged back by his overseer, Monostatos.

They give Tamino a magic flute and Papageno magic bells, and inform them that three genii will guide them to Sarastro’s realm.

The ladies unlock Papageno’s mouth and order him to be Tamino’s travel companion. The queen herself asks Tamino to rescue her daughter, promising him Pamina if he succeeds. They give Tamino a portrait of the queen’s daughter, Pamina, who has been abducted by Sarastro. Papageno plays along until, overhearing his boasting, the ladies seal his lips with a padlock. He meets Papageno, the queen’s birdcatcher, and assumes he’s the one who saved him.

After admiring the prince, they leave to report to the queen. He is rescued by the Queen of the Night’s three ladies-inwaiting. Prince Tamino is pursued by a giant dragon and faints.

Magic flute la opera 2016