What is the story behind Queen of the Night?

The Queen of the Night is the story of a woman who is continually told she has no power and no choice. It is the story of a woman who continually insists on having power and a choice, a voice as she moves through impossible European landscapes and climbs up through Paris’ dangerously complex social circles.

Why is the Queen of the Night aria so difficult?

The aria is renowned as a demanding piece to perform well. The vocal range covers two octaves, from F4 to F6 and requires a very high tessitura, A4 to C6. Thomas Bauman has expressed particular admiration for one moment in the score.

How many Arias does the Queen of the Night have?

two signature
This duality of loving maternalism and uncontrollable, vengeful rage comes through in the marked juxtaposition of the Queen of the Night’s two signature arias, “O Zittre Nicht, Mein Lieber Sohn” and “Der Hölle Rache.”

Is the Queen of the Night aria difficult?

Irrespective of whether you find the aria thrilling or a little goofy, it’s incredibly difficult and accordingly requires a coloratura soprano of great skill and agility to fully realize its musical and emotional content.

How hard is the Queen of the Night aria?

The Queen of the Night is difficult to cast. The first aria, “O zittre nicht,” is vastly different from the second, more well-known “Der Hölle Rache.” The recitative portion of “O zittre nicht” is full of legato lines with lots of room for a singer to play with dynamics and to shape phrases.

Why is the Queen of the Night the villain?

She is first introduced as the desperate mother whose beloved daughter was kidnapped, but it ultimately appears that she is the villain of the story, who wants to steal the powerful Circle of the Sun.

What are some of the reasons the Queen of the Night is special in The Magic Flute?

Set in a terrifying D minor, this aria is particularly memorable because of its extraordinarily wide and demanding two octave vocal range. Mozart wrote it with his sister-in-law, Josepha Hofer, in mind. Hofer, who was 32 at the time of The Magic Flute’s 1791 premiere, was known for her extraordinary upper register.