Masquerade (song)

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Masquerade is a song from the Andrew Lloyd Webber musical The Phantom of the Opera. It is sung at the beginning of the second act where a masquerade ball is held at the Opera House. Several months have passed since the end of the first act and the cast and crew of the Opera House have heard nothing of the Phantom for that period of time, thus assuming that he had left them for good. The owners of the Opera, Andre and firmin, are determined to celebrate this, as well as the "new chandelier" installed after the Phantom fell the last one. Christine and Raoul also mention their secret engagement, each expressing doubt and that they need not be so silent about it.

[edit] Themes and Metaphors

The song acts a strange parallel to the Phantom himself. The lyrics of the song boldly state:

Masquerade!

Paper faces on parade...

Masquerade!

Hide your face so the world will never find you...

This mirrors not only the fact that the Phantom wears a mask to conceal his disfigured face, but also the fact that he hides himself away from the world.

Another interesting theme is that the music box the Phantom makes plays the tune of Masquerade. He also sings the opening chorus after Christine leaves with Raoul in the finale.

Notes: Masquerade is also a song by the Swedish metal band Machinae Supremacy.