Experience the brilliance of Richard Strauss's "Ariadne auf Naxos" in this captivating recording, released on December 10, 2021, by Linn Records. This operatic masterpiece, composed by Strauss with a libretto by Hugo von Hofmannsthal, is a unique blend of comedy and tragedy, nostalgia and modernity, all wrapped in a virtuosic musical score. Originally conceived as an epilogue to Molière's "Le bourgeois gentilhomme," this opera stands alone as a testament to Strauss's genius.
The recording features a stellar cast, including one of the leading Strauss sopranos of the last 30 years, Soile Isokoski, who brings her powerful voice to the title role of Ariadne. The opera's demanding vocal and instrumental parts are masterfully executed, showcasing the composer's intricate scoring for a small orchestra that requires virtuoso playing from each musician.
"Ariadne auf Naxos" is a journey through the complex emotions and experiences of its characters, from the melancholic longing of Ariadne to the comedic antics of the opera's supporting cast. The opera's unique structure, with a prologue and a single act, allows for a deep dive into the themes of love, loss, and redemption. The recording captures the essence of the opera's live performances, with a rich and detailed sound that brings the music to life.
This album is a perfect introduction to Strauss's later works, offering a glimpse into his innovative approach to opera. Whether you're a seasoned opera enthusiast or a newcomer to the genre, "Ariadne auf Naxos" is sure to captivate and inspire. The album's duration of 2 hours and 5 minutes ensures that listeners can fully immerse themselves in the opera's rich musical and dramatic landscape.
2021 Edinburgh International Festiva2021 Linn Records
Tracks
Ariadne auf Naxos, Op. 60: I. Prologue. Orchestral IntroductionRichard Strauss, Lothar Koenigs, Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Ariadne auf Naxos, Op. 60: II. Prologue. Mein Herr Haushofmeister!Richard Strauss, Martin Gantner, Thomas Quasthoff, Ossian Huskinson, Filipe Manu, Catriona Morison, Lothar Koenigs, Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Ariadne auf Naxos, Op. 60: III. Prologue. Du allmächtiger Gott!Richard Strauss, Catriona Morison, David Butt Philip, Jonathan McGovern, Brenda Rae, Dorothea Röschmann, Martin Gantner, Peter Bronder, Lothar Koenigs, Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Ariadne auf Naxos, Op. 60: IV. Prologue. Meine Partner! Meine erprobten Freunde!Richard Strauss, Brenda Rae, Catriona Morison, Martin Gantner, Dorothea Röschmann, Peter Bronder, Ossian Huskinson, Thomas Quasthoff, David Butt Philip, Lothar Koenigs, Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Ariadne auf Naxos, Op. 60: V. Prologue. Ein Augenblick ist wenigRichard Strauss, Brenda Rae, Catriona Morison, Lothar Koenigs, Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Ariadne auf Naxos, Op. 60: VI. Prologue. An Ihre Plätze, meine Damen und Herren!Richard Strauss, Martin Gantner, Dorothea Röschmann, Lothar Koenigs, Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Ariadne auf Naxos, Op. 60: VII. Prologue. Sein wir wieder gut!Richard Strauss, Catriona Morison, Martin Gantner, Lothar Koenigs, Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Ariadne auf Naxos, Op. 60: VIII. OvertureRichard Strauss, Lothar Koenigs, Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Ariadne auf Naxos, Op. 60: IX. Schläft sie?Richard Strauss, Liv Redpath, Claire Barnett-Jones, Soraya Mafi, Lothar Koenigs, Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Ariadne auf Naxos, Op. 60: X. Wo war ich?Richard Strauss, Dorothea Röschmann, Soraya Mafi, Joshua Hopkins, Brenda Rae, Sunnyboy Dladla, Barnaby Rea, Liv Redpath, Claire Barnett-Jones, Lothar Koenigs, Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Ariadne auf Naxos, Op. 60: XI. Lieben, Hassen, Hoffen, ZagenRichard Strauss, Joshua Hopkins, Brenda Rae, Lothar Koenigs, Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Ariadne auf Naxos, Op. 60: XII. Es gibt ein ReichRichard Strauss, Dorothea Röschmann, Lothar Koenigs, Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Ariadne auf Naxos, Op. 60: XIII. Die Dame gibt mit trübem SinnRichard Strauss, Joshua Hopkins, Sunnyboy Dladla, Alexander Sprague, Barnaby Rea, Brenda Rae, Lothar Koenigs, Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Ariadne auf Naxos, Op. 60: XIV. Großmächtige PrinzessinRichard Strauss, Brenda Rae, Lothar Koenigs, Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Ariadne auf Naxos, Op. 60: XV. So war es mit PagliazzoRichard Strauss, Brenda Rae, Lothar Koenigs, Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Ariadne auf Naxos, Op. 60: XVI. Hübsch gepredigt! Aber tauben Ohren!Richard Strauss, Joshua Hopkins, Brenda Rae, Sunnyboy Dladla, Alexander Sprague, Barnaby Rea, Lothar Koenigs, Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Ariadne auf Naxos, Op. 60: XVII. Ein schönes Wunder!Richard Strauss, Claire Barnett-Jones, Liv Redpath, Soraya Mafi, Lothar Koenigs, Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Ariadne auf Naxos, Op. 60: XVIII. Circe, kannst du mich hören?Richard Strauss, David Butt Philip, Dorothea Röschmann, Liv Redpath, Claire Barnett-Jones, Lothar Koenigs, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Soraya Mafi
Ariadne auf Naxos, Op. 60: XIX. Ich grüße dich, du Bote aller Boten!Richard Strauss, Dorothea Röschmann, David Butt Philip, Lothar Koenigs, Royal Scottish National Orchestra
Ariadne auf Naxos, Op. 60: XX. Gibt es kein Hinüber?Richard Strauss, Dorothea Röschmann, David Butt Philip, Liv Redpath, Claire Barnett-Jones, Brenda Rae, Lothar Koenigs, Royal Scottish National Orchestra, Soraya Mafi
Richard Strauss, born in Munich in 1864, stands as one of the most influential composers of the late Romantic and early modern eras. Renowned for his powerful tone poems and operas, Strauss's music is a testament to his mastery of orchestration and harmonic innovation. His works, such as "Der Rosenkavalier," "Salome," and "Also sprach Zarathustra," showcase his dramatic intensity and grandeur, earning him a place among the greats like Richard Wagner and Franz Liszt. Strauss's compositions, particularly his operas, are celebrated for their soaring intensity and dramatic power, making him a pivotal figure in classical music. His legacy endures, captivating audiences with his profound and emotionally rich musical narratives.
Vinylscout
Richard Strauss
