Mozart: Die Zauberflöte Blu-ray (The Royal Opera) 2017Prince Tamino (Mauro Peter) promises the Queen of the Night (Sabine Devieilhe) that he will rescue her daughter Pamina (Siobhan Stagg) from the enchanter Sarastro. He begins his quest, accompanied by the bird catcher Papageno (Roderick Williams) but all is not as it seems David McVicars classic production embraces both the seriousness and comedy of Mozarts work. The audience is transported to a fantastical world of dancing animals, flying machines and

feisty Susanna

Dorothy Howell a prodigy who shot to fame at the 1919 Proms and film composer Doreen Carwithen

Plus: Illustrated synopsis of the opera

with blank pages ideal for creative work or note‑taking

the work was staged by the Royal Opera House

Assisted by Christopher Carr

Powerful performances by everyone concerned show why Madama Butterfly remains one of the all-time operatic favourites

"Pappano's mastery of Puccinian pace and phrasing intensifies this turbulent score's onward surge

Salome) English

Composer:  Richard Wagner

Gamache: Bennet Gartside

but the adept way in which this classic plot is spun onstage