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The secrets of Mozart’s “Magic Flute” - Joshua Borths

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Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Die Zauberflöte” (“The Magic Flute”) is widely regarded as one of the most influential operas in history. And while it may seem like a childish fairytale at first glance, it’s actually full of subversive symbolism. Joshua Borths explains how many elements of "The Magic Flute" were inspired by Mozart’s somewhat controversial involvement with Freemasonry.


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About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Joshua Borths
  • Director Biljana Labovic
  • Script Editor Alex Gendler
  • Animation Artist Barbara Huet
  • Narrator Addison Anderson
Additional Resources for you to Explore
Who exactly was Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart? Read a bit of his biography here and watch a mini-bio at: Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.

Interested in learning more about Mozart and his connection with Freemasonry? Visit this site.

What is the complete version of the Magic Flute like? Don’t have time for that? Try a synopsis of Magic Flute! Click here.

Mozart’s Magic Flute is full of symbolism. Unlocking Magic Flute’s Mysteries by Peter G. Davis will help you sort it all out. Now, take a moment and listen to and read NPR’s: Mozart Meets The Masons: 'The Magic Flute.’ For more on the symbolism, listen to this.

Interested in an animated version of the Magic Flute? Then, click here! Songs from this opera are so popular, you probably have heard or experienced them before somewhere. THE MAGIC FLUTE IN POP CULTURE may just prompt your memory enough so that you might recall when and where.

Customize This Lesson

Create and share a new lesson based on this one.

About TED-Ed Animations

TED-Ed Animations feature the words and ideas of educators brought to life by professional animators. Are you an educator or animator interested in creating a TED-Ed Animation? Nominate yourself here »

Meet The Creators

  • Educator Joshua Borths
  • Director Biljana Labovic
  • Script Editor Alex Gendler
  • Animation Artist Barbara Huet
  • Narrator Addison Anderson

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