Richard Strauss’s Ariadne auf Naxos is one of the early 20th century’s most peculiar operatic works. Its narrative derives from the famous myth of Ariadne, who is abandoned by Theseus on the island of Naxos and eventually falls in love with the god Bacchus. This opera is, however, preceded by an extensive modern prologue in which a young Composer finds himself tortured by egotistical artists complicating preparations for the opera’s production in an eternal struggle between comedy and high art. Set in the beautiful Teatro della Pergola in Florence, Matthias Hartmann’s 2022 production was a triumphant success both for its soloists and conductor Daniele Gatti in his first season as musical director at the Maggio Musicale Foundation.

‘Daniele Gatti was approaching the masterpiece of Richard Strauss for the first time and he did so with the class, the technical safety, the analytical skills that distinguish him in particular in this repertoire; all with great harmony with the Orchestra of the Maggio Musicale Fiorentino.’ – Operaclick.com

‘…conducted by Daniele Gatti, flexible and transparent, exemplarily committed to juxtaposing the ecstatic lyricism of the mythological work with the sparkling lightness of the comic inserts, the Orchestra del Maggio offered a superlative performance for the softness of the mixtures and clarity of solos.’ – La Nazione Firenze

‘This production of Ariadne auf Naxos by Richard Strauss (1912–1916) collects total approval and success from the public, a success attributable to the reading and musical interpretation of Daniele Gatti, for the first time grappling with this title.’ – ARTESNEWS.IT

- Der Haushofmeister: Franz Tscherne (spoken role)

- Ein Musiklehrer: Markus Werba (baritone)

- Der Komponist: Sophie Koch (mezzo-soprano)

- Der Tenor / Bacchus: AJ Glueckert (tenor)

- Ein Offizier: Joseph Dahdah (tenor)

- Ein Tanzmeister: Antonio Garés (tenor)

- Ein Perückenmacher: Matteo Guerzè (baritone)

- Ein Lakai: Amin Ahangaran (bass)

- Zerbinetta: Jessica Pratt (soprano)

- Primadonna / Ariadne: Krassimira Stoyanova (soprano)

- Harlekin: Liviu Holender (baritone)

- Scaramuccio: Luca Bernard (tenor)

- Truffaldin: Jacoub Eisa (bass)

- Brighella: Paul Schweinester (tenor)

- Najade: Maria Nazarova (soprano)

- Dryade: Anna Doris Capitelli (mezzo-soprano)

- Echo: Liubov Medvedeva (soprano)

Recording place: Teatro della Pergola, Florence, Italy

Recording date: 27–29 June 2022