Sorry I can't help William Jenks with a recording recommendation. But his post does inspire me to comment on an English language version of the Magic Flute I heard on Saturday in Portsmouth, NH. The performance was by the London Opera Comapany. I have nothing in principle against English language performance I suppose. And clearly many of the youngsters in the audience appreciated the English dialogue especially to help them follow the action. My concern may haver been a function of this particular production. Frankly, the translations were well done; at least with regards to making the meter and the rhymes work out. However, watching the opera in English (especially with the British accents in the spoken parts) came close to reducing this marvelous opera to a Gilbert and Sullivan operaetta. Think about it: Papageno reminded me of the wandering minstrel, The Queen of the Night could easily have been a G&S contralto part, Tamino is the tenor hero, etc. etc. Finally in Act 2 the transcendent music moved it beyond, but for a while I was really wondering. I know I've asked this question before on other lists, but what exactly is the magical quality that elevates great, moving music above the usual fare? as the saying goes: From the sublime to the ridiculous is but a small step." This performance really drove that point home to me. Wishing Bill luck with his son and endorsing his idea of finding an English version for a five year old, but hoping not to endure another one myself for a while. Ed