Dies Bildnis Ist Bezaubernd Schön

In 'Dies Bildnis Ist Bezaubernd Schön,' Joseph Calleja brings to life one of the most iconic arias from Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart's opera 'Die Zauberflöte' (The Magic Flute). The song is sung by the character Tamino, who is captivated by a portrait of Pamina, the daughter of the Queen of the Night. The lyrics express Tamino's immediate and profound infatuation with Pamina's beauty, which he describes as unparalleled and divine. This moment marks the beginning of his quest to find and win her love.

The aria is rich with metaphors and emotional depth. Tamino refers to Pamina's image as a 'Götterbild' (godly image), indicating that her beauty transcends the mortal realm and touches something divine within him. He feels a new emotion stirring in his heart, which he struggles to name but ultimately identifies as love. This burning sensation in his heart symbolizes the intense and consuming nature of his newfound affection.

Calleja's rendition of this aria captures the essence of youthful passion and the idealization of love. The longing and desire in Tamino's words are palpable as he dreams of finding Pamina and holding her close. The repetition of 'O, wenn ich sie nur finden könnte!' (Oh, if only I could find her!) underscores his desperation and hope. This aria not only highlights the transformative power of love but also sets the stage for Tamino's journey, driven by the promise of eternal union with his beloved.