Martin Wahlberg and his Orkester Nord complete their recording series dedicated to French opéra-comique with Die Zauberflöte. Surprising, yes, but research has shown that Mozart’s masterpiece is directly descended from the French tradition and from an initiation tale of the Enlightenment.

In this version, which includes all the dialogue, a cast similar to that of the premiere (with Ruth Williams, a 16-year-old Pamina who gives a unique colour to the vocal ensemble), and previously unpublished fragments (the fantasy for flute in The Trial of Silence), the Norwegian conductor proves that it is still possible to surprise with one of the best-known stage works in existence, and allows us to take a fresh look at this timeless, monumental opera and the eternal reflections it raises.