Ariadne auf Naxos (Ariadne on Naxos) is an opera by Richard Strauss with libretto by Hugo von Hofmannsthal. It was first performed in 1912 and revised in 1916. It is mainly a reworking of the Greek myth of Ariadne and Bacchus. Jump to: navigation, search The foyer of Charles Garniers Opéra, Paris, opened 1875 Opera refers to an European art form consisting of a dramatic stage performance set to music. ... Jump to: navigation, search Richard Strauss (June 11, 1864 – September 8, 1949) was a German composer of the late Romantic era, particularly noted for his tone poems and operas. ... Hugo von Hofmannsthal (February 1, 1874 - July 15, 1929), was an Austrian novelist, librettist, poet, dramatist, narrator, and essayist. ... Ariadne (utterly pure, from a Cretan-Greek form for arihagne) was a fertility goddess of Crete. ... Bacchus is the name of: the Roman god Bacchus, known to the Greeks as Dionysus the Christian martyr Saint Bacchus, companion to Saint Sergius; see: Saint Sergius the asteroid 2063 Bacchus the Bacchus grape variety, grown predominantly in Germany the Bacchus (painting) by Leonardo da Vinci the comic book Bacchus...

Synopsis

The opera is set in the home of 'the richest man in Vienna'. Two groups of musicians have arrived: one a burlesque group, the other an opera company. The first part of the opera is set backstage and concerns the preparations for performance, which are thrown into confusion when the Major-domo announces that both performances must take place at the same time.

After an interval the major part of the work begins. Ariadne is shown abandoned by Theseus on Naxos, bewailing her fate. 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. Ariadne (utterly pure, from a Cretan-Greek form for arihagne) was a fertility goddess of Crete. ... Jump to: navigation, search Theseus (Greek Θησευς) was a legendary king of Athens, son of Aegeus (or of Poseidon). ... Naxos is the largest island (428 km² ) in the Cyclades island group in the Aegean Sea, which separates Greece and Turkey. ... Coloratura is an ornate, flowery style in classical singing. ...

The nymphs Naiad and Dryad then announce the arrival of Bacchus on the island. He falls instantly in love with Ariadne and promises to set her in the heavens as a constellation. Naiad refers to: Naiad, a moon of Neptune. ... The Dryad by Evelyn De Morgan Dryads are tree spirits in Greek mythology. ... Bacchus is the name of: the Roman god Bacchus, known to the Greeks as Dionysus the Christian martyr Saint Bacchus, companion to Saint Sergius; see: Saint Sergius the asteroid 2063 Bacchus the Bacchus grape variety, grown predominantly in Germany the Bacchus (painting) by Leonardo da Vinci the comic book Bacchus...

Characters

• PROLOGUE
  • Major-domo (speaking part)
  • Music-master (baritone)
  • Composer (mezzo-soprano - a breeches role)
  • Dancing-master (tenor )
  • Wig-maker (bass)
  • Footman (bass)
  • Officer (tenor)
  • Prima donna (later Ariadne) (soprano)
  • Tenor (later Bacchus) (tenor)

• INTERMEZZO
  • Zerbinetta (soprano)
  • Harlequin (baritone)
  • Scaramuccio (tenor)
  • Truffaldino (bass)
  • Brighella (tenor)

• THE OPERA
  • Ariadne (soprano)
  • Bacchus (tenor)
  • Naiad (soprano)
  • Dryad (contralto)
  • Echo (soprano)

A breeches role (also pants role or trouser role) is a role in which an actress appears in male clothes (breeches being tight-fitting knee-length pants, the standard male garment at the time breeches roles were introduced). ...

External link

Synopsis: Metropolitan Opera

Ariadne auf Naxos Yahoo Group