This series introduces, in words and music, the plot and background of major operas. Using the principal themes and arias, taken from the Naxos recording of the complete work, Thomson Smillie is informative yet entertaining, enabling the listener to get more from this remarkable art form.

The Magic Flute almost defines a masterpiece, because it can be enjoyed on every level. It is a superb fairy story, complete with dragons, demons, a handsome prince, and a lovely maiden seriously in need of rescue; it is a political satire, social commentary, and psychological drama; it is full of tunes from the playful to the heart-stopping, jolly songs, and deeply spiritual outpourings. It is, in short, ' Mozart' - and there is no greater compliment than that.

This audio gives us a wonderful insight into possibly the most remarkable work ever written for the stage. Beginning with an enticing overview of Mozart's astonishing output, David Timson then takes us through The Magic Flute with infectious pleasure at every turn of genius. From the delightfully comic Papageno 'rudely trying to sing with his mouth full of padlock' to The Queen of the Night's Vengeance aria, we enjoy the full spectrum of dramatic situations.