Richard Strauss - Ariadne auf Naxos (16/16)

Richard Strauss

Ariadne auf Naxos

Oper in einem Aufzug nebst einem Vorspiel von Hugo von Hofmannsthal

Der Haushofmeister - Franz Stoss
Ein Musiklehrer - Dietrich Fischer-Dieskau
Der Komponist - Tatiana Troyanas
Der Tenor/Bacchus - Jess Thomas
Ein Tanzmeister - Gerhard Unger
Ein Perückenmacher - Heinz Friedrich
Ein Lakei - Herbert Lackner
Zerbinetta - Reri Grist
Primadonna/Ariadne - Hildegard Hillebrecht
Harlekin - Barry McDaniel
Scaramuccio - John van Kesteren
Truffaldin - Richard Kogel
Brighella/Ein Offizier - Friedrich Lenz
Najade - Arleen Auger
Dryade - Unni Rugtvedt
Echo - Sigrid Schmidt

Symphonie-Orchester des Bayrischen Rundfunks
Dirigent: Karl Böhm

Overview

Ariadne auf Naxos is in two parts, called the Prologue and the Opera. The first part shows the backstage circumstances leading up to the second part, which is in fact an opera within an opera.

The Opera

Ariadne is shown abandoned by Theseus on the island of Naxos, bewailing her fate, as she mourns her lost love and longs for death. At this point Zerbinetta and her four companions from the burlesque group appear. They attempt to cheer Ariadne, but without success. In a sustained and dazzling piece of coloratura singing Zerbinetta insists that the simplest way to get over a broken heart is to find another man. In a comic interlude, each of the clowns pursues Zerbinetta.

The three nymphs, Naiad, Dryad and Echo then announce the arrival of a stranger on the island. At first Ariadne thinks he is the messenger of death; but in fact it is the god Bacchus. He falls instantly in love with Ariadne and promises to set her in the heavens as a constellation. Zerbinetta returns briefly to repeat her philosophy of love; then the opera ends with the passionate singing of Ariadne and Bacchus.

Category:

Music

Tags:

• Richard
• Strauss
• Ariadne
• auf
• Naxos