"Ariadne auf Naxos", Prologue (2/2). Sarah Connolly sings the Composer's aria.

The excellent British mezzo-soprano Sarah Connolly sang the role of the naive and emotional Composer in Richard Strauss's opera "Ariadne auf Naxos" at the Metropolitan Opera in New York in February 2010. This was her debut in the role. Her singing and her acting were both highly praised.

At the end of the Prologue the Composer, filled with love and enthusiasm for his work, passionately declares music the greatest of all the arts (Musik ist eine heilige Kunst). But when he catches sight of Zerbinetta's comedians, ready to go on stage, he realizes with horror what he has agreed to in allowing their antics to be amalgamated with his opera. He blames the music master for the artistic debacle and runs off.

Photos: Marty Sohl/Metropolitan Opera

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[melodiaavis]

Yes, I quite agree and I am so much looking forward to seeing her performance in the MET's Capriccio in March/April this year.

[rlee1976]

I saw her in the dress rehearsal... truly a revelation!  She's such a healthy, vibrant singer and actress!

[jibbyjane]

Inspiring and utterly gorgeous singing.