Well, I am a big fan of Mozart’s “Die Zauberflöte” and I just wanted to post ONE video of the scene when Papageno finally meets his Papagena. One of the most charming and heartwarming scenes ever in Opera. But while searching one thing lead to another on YouTube.

So here I give you the good, the bad and the ugly. As anyone into classical music will tell you it’s all about performance and interpretation. And boy, some of these interpretation make you laugh with joy and some make you cry.

So if you have some time then dive into some Mozartology … all videos afther the fold …

New York, Manfred Hemm and Barbara Kilduff. One of my all time favs: old school stage design, charming singers and a lot of joy. Maybe the best performance in this set.

Detlef Roth and Gaële Le Roi. Very youthful inspiring version. Classic setup.

Opernhaus Zürich, Anton Scharinger and Julia Neumann. Very classical, very brave and very swiss in some way. Although he is clearly austrian and should have a bit more charm.

New York City Opera, Stephen Dickson and Michele McBride - nice setting, but some people should learn German before singing Mozart. Good performance, but Papageno feels so gay.

From the Swedish film “Trollflöjten” - obviously in swedish. This shows you that a great director and some effects can do …

Salzburger Festspiele, Irena Bespalovaite and Christian Gerhaher. Great Performance!

Margot and Pongo - definatly the weirdest version. Matrix meets Mozarts. Just watch the first 30 seconds and you know what I mean.

Shepherd University, Bonnie Myers and Matt Sims - oh boy this is painful to watch. Worst American accent evaaaar.

So what’s your pick?