The age of miracles has not yet passed. After centuries of revolutions and wars and genocides, it is still possible for love and laughter to be prized and praised. And the proof is this recording of
Mozart's Die Zauberflöte with
Claudio Abbado directing the
Mahler Chamber Orchestra, the
Arnold Schoenberg Choir, and a cast of mostly young and entirely dedicated singing actors. Certainly the greatest living conductor -- who else is equally excellent in
Mozart,
Mahler, and Ligeti? --
Abbado leads a performance at once wholly fresh and beautifully polished, a performance of wonderful wit and tremendous depth, a performance so full of heart and soul and spirit that it makes one joyous just to hear it. Name for name, except for incomparable
René Pape as Sarastro, the cast might not be the greatest ever assembled, but the energy and enthusiasm more than compensates for the lack of star power. Just as impressive is the playing of the
Mahler Chamber Orchestra. It is technically as fine as the best orchestras, but its playing has more character and individuality than virtually any orchestra. Similarly, the
Arnold Schoenberg Choir is as fine as the best choirs, but its singing is more committed and effervescent than nearly any longer established choir. Anyone who loves Die Zauberflöte should hear this performance, especially as preserved in DG's crisp, clear, and full sound.