The Magic Flute the Masonic influence is exaggerated. Schikaneder and Mozart were Freemasons, as was Ignaz Alberti, engraver and printer of the first libretto. The opera is also influenced by Enlightenment philosophy and can be regarded as advocating enlightened absolutism. The Queen of the Night is seen by some to represent a dangerous form of obscurantism, by others to represent Roman Catholic Empress Maria Theresa, and still others see the Roman Catholic Church itself, which was strongly anti-Masonic. Some modern audiences detect strains of misogyny and casual racism in "The Magic Flute". The names of the performers at the premiere are taken from
The Bamboo Flute The Bamboo Flute The Bamboo Flute is a 1992 children's novel by Garry Disher. Set during the depression, it is about a boy who is taught by a swagman to make and play a bamboo flute. In a review of "The Bamboo Flute", "BookList" wrote "The author's thesis—aesthetic beauty is a basic need, especially during times of extreme hardship—will not escape the notice of young audiences, and the frequent touches of local color make this a fine choice for reading aloud and for classes studying Australia." "Kirkus Reviews" described it as "a beautifully written novella" that is "Brief and easily