Maria Reining may be the perfect Ariadne. Her ample soprano soars without the slightest trace of a hard edge. Richard Strauss, who was in the audience for this performance as it marked the occasion of his 80th birthday, must have been thrilled with her.

Irmgard Seefried, as the Composer, confirms what I already knew about this role: it is much better in the hands of a soprano (I'm pretty sure Strauss knew this as well, having cast Lotte Lehmann in this role at the premiere.)

Alda Noni is a delightful Zerbinetta. She brings a lovely soubrette quality without ever sounding too "chirpy" and her voice opens up nicely when the music calls for it.

Personally, I have never really cared for Max Lorenz's sound, but you can't deny that this man could sing. He makes this "voice-killer" of a role seem almost easy.