Richard Strauss: Ariadne auf Naxos

Christoph von Dohnányi

Director:

Claus Guth



Ariadne auf Naxos is one of many beautifully crafted operas by Richard Strauss and his librettist Hugo von Hofmannsthal. In this fascinating production by the Zurich Opera, recorded on this DVD, Christoph von Dohnányi conducts a particularly strong cast of singers and actors in a thrilling interpretation of the work. The role of Ariadne is sung by American soprano Emily Magee, who has received worldwide acclaim for her performances in both Wagner and Strauss. German-born Italian tenor Roberto Saccà, considered one of the leading lyric tenors of his generation, sings the role of Bacchus. Both made their role debuts under the subtle but sensual baton of Christoph von Dohnányi, and both were praised for the clarity of their singing voices, their subtle treatment of the text, and the care with which they approached the technical aspects of their roles. Critics were also delighted with the rest of the brilliant cast: Elena Mo?uc (Zerbinetta) mastered the incredible high notes of her role with ease, Michael Volle was a powerful music teacher, and Michelle Breedt was a touching composer. An entertaining and intelligently executed production of one of the central operas that explores the intertextuality between "real life" and what is now called "virtual reality."