This is evident from the usage of strings for adjusting the vocal lines of the character “Papageno,” which Schikaneder himself portrayed. Mozart was also influenced by the singers who were intended to perform at the premiere. The influence of Freemasonry is also courted quite publicly by opera enthusiasts. The libretto is also reckoned to be a natural continuation of the ongoing “fairy tale” operas that were produced by his troupe at that time. Ignaz von Born’s essay “On the mysteries of the Egyptians,” Jean Terrasson’s novel “ Life of Sethos,” and Chrétien de Troyes’ poem “Yvain, the Knight of the Lion,” all are considered to have influenced Schikaneder’s creation. History & PerformancesĪccording to scholars, the opera is based on various sources. “The Magic Flute” premiered at the “Freihaustheater” on 30th of September, 1791, just a couple of months before the composer's untimely demise. Mozart was an active participant in their productions and was also a close friend of Benedikt Schack, a tenor of the troupe. The opera marked the culmination of Mozart’s collaboration with Schikaneder's theatrical group, the resident corporation at the “Theater auf der Wieden (Freihaustheater)” in Vienna, Austria. The Opera is a “Singspiel,” a classification of German music drama that includes both songs and spoken dialogue. It is accompanied by a German libretto created by Emanuel Schikaneder. “The Magic Flute” is a two-act opera crafted by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart.