P. Craig Russell Library of Opera Adaptations, V. 1: The Magic Flute

Long out of print, the many adaptations that Russell has done of famous operas are finally collected again in 3 volumes, in the wake of his highly successful massive recent adaptation of Wagner&;s Ring of the Nibelung. This first volume presents his adaptation of one of Mozart&;s most famous works, a farcical tale mixed with fantasy. The story begins as the Queen of the Night sets Prince Tamino on a quest to rescue her daughter, Pamina from the evil Sarastro. On the way, he meets the bird-catcher Papageno, who is &;persuaded&; to help Tamino in his quest. Tamino&;s spiritual quest is counterpoised with Papageno&;s own earthly search for his one true love, Papagena. Both couples&; strivings are juxtaposed with the eternal conflict between Sarastro and the Queen of the Night.