Italian Radio assembled a remarkable team for this performance of Ariadne auf Naxos, uniting a mostly American cast with an Italian orchestra and a German conductor. In the title role, Johanna Meier strikes an ideal balance between Wagnerian weight and Mozartian sensitivity, while James King brings his signature stentorian tone to Bacchus, particularly luminous in more lyrical moments such as "Du schönes Wesen!" Julia Varady makes a compelling case for casting the Composer with a soprano, soaring through the role's ecstatic lines with emotional depth—especially in the prologue's radiant conclusion. Patricia Wise delivers Zerbinetta's coloratura with pinpoint accuracy and complements it with generously phrased, luxurious singing in the duet with the Composer. A young Lella Cuberli also makes an appearance as Echo, adding to the distinguished cast. The result is a memorable interpretation of Strauss's mercurial work.