A Dictionary of Music and Musicians/Mystères d'Isis, Les

MYSTÈRES D'ISIS, LES. An arrangement, or derangement, of Mozart's Zauberflöte, words by Morel, music adapted by Lachnith; produced at the Académie Aug. 26 [App. p.727 "Aug. 23"], 1801. The opera was torn to pieces; some of the best numbers (e.g. the 2nd quintet, the terzet, the chorus 'O Isis,' Pamina's song) were taken out, numbers from other operas inserted (e.g. 'Fin ch' han dal vino' as a duet). The concluding chorus opened the opera, and immense liberties were taken with what was left. But such was the beauty and spirit of the music that its success was immense, and it kept the boards till May 2, 1827. The real Zauberflöte was first produced in Paris in 1829. Lachnith was much ridiculed at the time; he was called 'Le Dérangeur,' and his work 'Les Misères d'ici.' [See Lachnith.]

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