Der Hölle Rache

• "Mozart is the incarnation of music." --- Joseph Haydn
  
  
• "Mozart is the sun." --- Antonin Dvorák
  
  
• "I am a fool. That is well known." --- Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart

A couple of weeks ago, I watched Amadeus and I thought it was a really good movie. I found the contrast between its two halves particularly striking: from its cheerful and jovial beginning, the film grows darker and depressing as Sallieri’s conflicting emotions end up leading Mozart into decay and despair. Even if it remains a work of fiction whose historical inaccuracies have been openly acknowledged by its authors, the film stands up perfectly to the challenge of paying a well-deserved tribute to one of the greatest musicians of all time.

I had already viewed fragments of the movie many years ago, when I was still in high-school. I distinctly remember being at home, having diner with my parents and brother, and watching the scene where the famous aria “Der Holle Rache”, from “Die Zauberflöte” (The Magic Flute) was first performed under Mozart´s direction. It was like a jolt out of the blue. Suddenly, in the middle of the movie, the Queen of the Night started singing and I was simultaneously shocked and moved by her song. It was like a wave of true beauty that swept through our living-room and left me wanting for more.

Today, thanks to the Internet and websites like youtube, everybody can easily have access to this timeless masterpiece, as sung by some of the best interprets in the world. The version that I have included here, as an example, corresponds to a performance at the Royal Opera House in London, with Diana Namrau as the Queen of the Night. It takes a while until the song begins, but the acting is also good and it is definitely worth the wait. Lay back, relax and enjoy !

Der Hölle Rache kocht in meinem Herzen,The wrath of Hell boils in my heart,Tot und Verzweiflung flammet um mich her! Death and despair flame about me! Fühlt nicht durch dich Sarastro If Sarastro does not through you feel Tod:esschmerzen, The pain of death, So bist du meine Tochter nimmermehr. Then you will be my daughter nevermore. Verstossen sei auf ewig, Disowned may you be forever, Verlassen sei auf ewig, Abandoned may you be forever, Zertrümmert sei'n auf ewig Destroyed be forever Alle Bande der Natur All the bonds of nature, Wenn nicht durch dich! If not through you Sarastro wird erblassen! Sarastro becomes pale! (as death) Hört, Rachegötter, Hear, Gods of Revenge, Hoert der Mutter Schwur! Hear a mother's oath!