Magic Flute Poem by gershon hepner

Three cords, E flat, the Magic Flute
Papageno’s glockenspiel,
Sarastro thought to be a brute
by Night Queen who cannot feel.

She sings all the highest notes,
but can’t understand the low-
down on Sarastro, since she dotes
with mother love that is de trop.

There also are three women who
provide for birds celestial wine
to Papageno whose “Adieu! ”
three boys prevent with their lifeline.

Tamino, since he is a prince,
prepares for hell and highest water,
and understands Sarastro’s hints
to save the Queen of Night’s fair daughter.

Pamina who is chaste and chased
by Monostatos, beautiful and black
but not the princess’s taste,
tries hard to get him off her back.

Papageno, who lacks patience,
has luck and finds his Papagena.
Life’s full of trials and tribulations,
knowing which may make you saner.


Written during a performance of “The Magic Flute” by the LA Opera, conducted by Lawrence Foster, with Rodney Gilfrey as Papageno, Andrea Rost as Papagena, Michael Schade as Tamino and Greg Fedderly as Monostatos. Sumi Jo was indisposed but there was a wonderful understudy for the Queen of the Night. Geoff Lipmann joined me for the evening. I revised the poem on 1/23/09 following a performance of the opera on January 22,2009, conducted by James Conlon. Nathan Gunn was Papageno, Amanda Squitieri Papagena, Matthew Polenazani Tamino, Marie Arnet Pamina. Gregg Fedderly was a splendid Monostatos, Günther Grossböck a very moving Sarastro who hit all the low notes, while L’ubica Vagicová from Slovakia a thrilling Queen of the Night, although she missed her top notes.

4/10/02,1/23/09