View full lesson: http://ed.ted.com/lessons/the-secrets-of-mozart-s-magic-flute-joshua-borths

Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart’s “Die Zauberflöte” (“The Magic Flute”) is widely regarded as one of the most influential operas in history. And while it may seem like a childish fairytale at first glance, it’s actually full of subversive symbolism. Joshua Borths explains how many elements of "The Magic Flute" were inspired by Mozart’s somewhat controversial involvement with Freemasonry.

Lesson by Joshua Borths, animation by TED-Ed.