Ariadne auf Naxos

Richard Strauss (1864–1949)

DESCRIPTION

This performance of Ariadne auf Naxos is perhaps most notable for featuring Teresa Stratas as the Composer. Not yet thirty years old, Stratas had already spent nearly a decade performing on the world's leading stages, bringing both remarkable technical assurance and a wealth of interpretive insight to the role. It is a point worth repeating that she makes a compelling case for casting the Composer with a soprano, as Richard Strauss originally intended. The youthful freshness of her voice goes a long way toward conveying the character's impetuous, boyish energy.

Sylvia Geszty is nothing short of sensational as Zerbinetta, combining an uncommon richness of tone with astonishing technical command. Few singers have possessed a voice of such warmth while also negotiating the role's extraordinary vocal acrobatics with such effortless confidence. Her performance of "Großmächtige Prinzessin" is a masterclass in virtuoso singing, every bit as dazzling musically as it is technically secure.

If Ingrid Bjoner's Ariadne is mentioned last, it is only because she left behind so many distinguished recordings of the role, not because she was any less brilliant than her aforementioned colleagues. Bjoner seemed born to sing Strauss, and she brings her characteristic blend of Mozartean elegance, gleaming vocal brilliance, and dramatic nobility to Ariadne.

CAST

Ariadne – Ingrid Bjoner
Bacchus – Arturo Sergi
Komponist – Teresa Stratas
Zerbinetta – Sylvia Geszty
Musiklehrer – Keith Engen
Harlekin – Raimund Grumbach
Scaramuccio – David Thaw
Brighella – Ferry Gruber
Truffaldino – Max Pröbstl
Najade – Lotte Schädle
Dryade – Ira Malaniuk
Echo – Antonia Fahberg
Tanzmeister – Friedrich Lenz
Perückenmacher – Karl Ostertag
Lakai – Adolf Keil
Haushofmeister – Rudolf Castell

DETAILS

Location: München
Date: 1967
Conductor: Joseph Keilberth
Catalogue Number: OD 10036-2
Label: Opera Depot
Number of Discs: 2
In Mono