The Magic Flute: German, English Language Edition, Chorus Parts (Kalmus Edition) (German Edition)

I bought this because we were going to see a local abbreviated production. Now, my daughter wants us to read it to her all the time. And she wants the CD playing in the background as we read. She is very happy that Papagena wears pink. She is very concerned about the padlock on Papageno's mouth. She has cast the opera from the beautiful illustrations. The first lady is Mommy, the other ladies are her sitter and her sitter's mother (?). Her brother Will is the serpent, "but it is just a costume." "Mommy kills 'ill" is a frequent refrain (wishful thinking? Nah, she dotes on her brother. She is just type-casting. That is why I, her father, is Prince Tamino. She knows many of the details of the story, even though we often selectively edit the text when we read it to her.My only quibbles, as someone who has performed, directed and conducted this opera many times, are the odd deviations from the libretto. Some plot points are muddled and some characters are misinterpreted. I find myself telling the story as written by Schikaneder and Mozart more often than not, which is extra work. Also, some of the musical selections are odd. I would have picked numbers that move the plot such as the quintet of the "bad guys" in the finale rather than arias that stop the show, such as Sarastro's snoozer.

This retelling is child friendly as well as a nice overview of the opera's plot for any age of reader. It is best as a read aloud - in smallish doses - to children younger than fourth grade due to the word density. I send this book home frequently when my piano students play excerpts from The Magic Flute. The artwork is bright, and the CD gives the students an idea of the original work. I recommend reading the book and then viewing some scenes on YouTube.

I just wanted to warn people thinking of getting this book -- make sure you're getting the one you want! The editorial review for the children's version of "The Magic Flute" refers in part to a Black Dog Opera version -- *that's* the one with the libretto and two CDs. The children's version (retold by Anne Gatti) has only one CD of selections from the opera, and no libretto, just a retelling of the story. I bought the children's version by mistake, based on the editorial review and the customer reviews (some of which also claim that 2 CDs are included), but it turns out these do not refer at all to the children's version.That said, if you're just looking for something for your kids, definitely go for the children's version (ASIN 0811810038). The illustrations are cute, and the text is written to follow along with the CD selections... fine for the age range they indicate. If, however, you want the full libretto with translations, and the full opera on CD, make sure you get the "Black Dog" version which is referenced as "hardcover edition" on the kid's version page. (Hope that makes sense!)

I did not buy this for myself, but for my seven year old grand nephew, together the the abridged Met Magic Flute. His father, my nephew, has reported the go together like hand and glove. I trust his judgement, so I am recommending the combo to anyone who wants to introduce children to the magic of opera.

It's got great pictures and the CD has tracks that go along with each page. I don't recommend it for any students younger than 2nd grade. It's very "wordy."

This is sheer genius! Put the opera in CD form, and attach a nice picture book for children, and you have a perfect classic. I hope more books like this are on the way. This is a perfect introduction to a masterwork of opera.I confess that "The Magic Flute" is my favorite opera. It retells the ancient Freemason legends in opera and dramatic form, so you know that the story is rather primeval and sacred. I am glad, therefore, to see that someone has transposed the story for children. The book and the legend hold up well against "The Odyssey," Shakespeare, and Harry Potter, and the story has an incredible soundtrack to boot.After all, we are really focused on the mysterious music and the incredible love story of Tamino and Pamina, and the trials that keep these two apart. The more I read and ponder the story, and ultimately its esoteric message, the more I love this story.The CD is perfect and without hiss or crackle. The book is geared for a 3-7 year old, and doesn't do the story justice. However, it is a great introduction to this opera.

This was a wonderful story well written for a young audience. We bought it for our six-year-old son who began studying violin a year ago, and this was his one-year anniversary present. Mozart's Eine Kleine Nacht Musik was his inspiration to learn the violin, and he has since taken interest in other Mozart music. The illustrations are also very beautiful.

I got The Magic Flute for Christmas. My teacher is almost finished reading it to the class. We also listen to the CD after she reads the part to it. Some people in my class don't know if they like it a lot or not. Most of them love it. Ruth Stuart, 2nd grade