The vengeance of hell boils in my heart,
There Are a Few Videos in This Series…
They feature remarkable performances in public spaces by equally remarkable performers. In this short, one of opera’s most demanding soprano arias—Der Hölle Rache kocht in meinem Herzen (Hell’s vengeance boils in my heart) from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's The Magic Flute—is sung in what appears to be a casual restaurant setting.
The soprano is excellent, and—as a bonus—is quite the eye candy, as is her apparent boyfriend who supposedly “put the pianist up to this.” The pianist, a bit of a scruff, turns out to be a superb vocal accompanist, which is no small feat. He earns his place in the spotlight as much as the singer.
It’s one of my favorite arias, not just for the dazzling vocal acrobatics and harmonic surprises, but also for its intense emotional arc and dramatic backstory.
Now, let’s be honest: the camera work, sound, and editing are way too polished for this to be a spontaneous “flash” performance in some random dive. The soprano is impeccably groomed and wearing black jeans and a top that show off her best features, which she pulls off with stunning confidence—she has exactly the kind of curves that make it a showstopper. Her boyfriend looks like he wandered in from a GQ shoot. This was clearly staged, choreographed, and filmed with professional gear—but honestly? It’s great fun, and a fabulous way to bring opera into the public eye.
The Lyrics Deserve a Bow
German
Der hölle rache kocht in meinem herzen,
Tod und verzweiflung flammet um mich her!
Fühlt nicht durch dich Sarastro
Todesschmerzen,
So bist du meine tochter nimmermehr.
Verstossen sei auf ewig,
Verlassen sei auf ewig,
Zertrümmert sei'n auf ewig
Alle bande der natur
Wenn nicht durch dich!
Sarastro wird erblassen!
Hört, Rachegötter,
Hört der mutter schwur!
Translated Freely to English
The vengeance of hell boils in my heart,
Death and despair flame about me!
If Sarastro does not through you feel
The pain of death,
Then you will be my daughter nevermore.
Disowned may you be forever,
Abandoned may you be forever,
Destroyed be forever
All the bonds of nature,
If not through you
Sarastro becomes pale! (as death)
Hear, Gods of Revenge,
Hear a mother's oath!
If You Can't Get Enough
Here's what is perhaps the definative performance of The Magic Flute Queen of the Night by Diana Damrau. Impeccable operatic technique with superb acting. We instinctively fear and hate her, and empathise with poor Pamina, the Queen's hapless daughter tasked with murdering the kindly Sarastro.
The Magic Flute – Queen of the Night aria (Mozart; Diana Damrau, The Royal Opera)
Despite the Queen of the Night
The opera ends happily, with a chorus that is first solemn, and finally joyously optimistic.
Hail to you consecrated ones!
CHORUS
Hail to you on your consecration!
You have penetrated the night,
thanks be given to you,
Osiris, thanks to you, Isis!
Strength has triumphed, rewarding
beauty and wisdom with an everlasting crown!
Mozart "Zauberflöte", Final choir, Oksana Lyniv
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