The Magic Flute: Ezio Pinza Sings Sarastro: "O Isis und Osiris" [in English] (1942)

Bruno Walter, Metropolitan Opera Orchestra (Recorded 26th December, 1942, Metropolitan Opera House, New York) Sarastro — Ezio Pinza The English translation was by Ruth and Thomas Martin. =============== Paul Jackson in his book "Saturday Afternoons at the Old Met" writes: "Pinza supplies [humanity] aplenty. Sarastro's song is heartfelt, and though the language is not English ("Thou art bidden" comes out "Thou art beeden"), Pinza's music is Mozart. Everywhere Walter's sure-handed oversight is evident. Pinza's solos in the second act are of the highest order, rolling out in rich organ like tones, both the highs and lows on call; they contrast curiously with his spoken lines, which are delivered in a light, conversational manner." =============== "Die Zauberflöte" ("The Magic Flute") is an opera in two acts by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, with a German libretto by Emanuel Schikaneder. It was first performed at the Theater auf der Wieden in Vienna on 30th September, 1791, just two months before the composer's premature death.