Today marks the 100th anniversary of the birth of Ingmar Bergman. Bergman, not exactly known for his lightness of spirit, filmed one of the most consistently delightful adaptations of any opera (or singspiel, for that matter) in a Swedish television version of “The Magic Flute” (1975). The production’s Papageno, Håkan Hagegård, went on to enjoy an international career.
“The Magic Flute” also figures in the puppet play featured in “Hour of the Wolf” (1968).
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Pw-8bwXFeZE
Many of Bergman’s films reflect their director’s love of classical music. Any favorites?