It’s an opera inside an opera, and opens with a prologue the place we study that Vienna’s richest man is internet hosting a celebration. To entertain his friends after dinner, he has commissioned a brief opera, Ariadne auf Naxos, to be adopted by a efficiency from a commedia dell’arte troupe earlier than the night ends with a firework show.
‘Do you get aroused?’ A retired dancer goals to demystify ballet
‘Do you get aroused?’ A retired dancer goals to demystify ballet
The opera’s younger composer is outraged that low comedy will characteristic in the identical night as his masterpiece – his diva and tenor are equally insulted, whereas the comedians, led by the vivacious Zerbinetta, are certain that they may upstage the “boring” opera.
Issues go from unhealthy to worse when the host decides that, for the reason that fireworks have to begin at 9pm, there gained’t be sufficient time for separate reveals, so the 2 teams should create a mixed efficiency.
The opera correct then begins. Ariadne has been deserted on the island of Naxos by her beloved Theseus, regardless of saving his life. Attended by a refrain of three nymphs, she sings of her sorrow and the way she longs for dying.
Zerbinetta and her troupe seem and attempt to cheer Ariadne up. Zerbinetta explains her personal strategy to like: whereas all girls undergo heartbreak, it doesn’t need to final and there’s at all times one other lover – “one other new god” – on the horizon. Ariadne, nevertheless, refuses to pay attention and stays trapped in despair.
Fleeing from the enchantress Circe, the god Bacchus arrives on the island. He thinks that Ariadne is one other sorceress, whereas Ariadne thinks he’s Hermes, the messenger of dying, come to take her to the underworld. Finally realising their true identities, the pair fall in love and the piece ends with them discovering happiness collectively.
The opera’s principal theme is the battle between intellectual and lowbrow artwork. Ariadne and Zerbinetta are contrasted in musical types in addition to character, one being a dark-toned dramatic soprano, the opposite a glowing coloratura.
No matter Strauss and von Hofmannsthal’s intentions could have been, the lowbrow sections win arms down. The music for the comedian troupe is irresistibly rollicking and Zerbinetta’s vocal pyrotechnics dazzling, whereas Ariadne’s monotonously mournful arias quickly pall.
Better of the “severe” music are the lyrical trio for the nymphs when Bacchus arrives and the uplifting finale for Bacchus and Ariadne.
Carsen’s manufacturing options some good moments alongside some unusual selections, notably having no intermission (there’s often one after the prologue), which can have contributed to a lot of folks leaving throughout the efficiency, though those that stayed gave it an enthusiastic reception on the finish.
The prologue is properly completed, shifting alongside at a brisk tempo and bringing out the humour neatly.
The desert island the place Ariadne was deserted doesn’t sound like an entertaining backdrop, one thing which was identified to the rich host. Most productions search to beat with eye-catching, vibrant designs. Carsen and his workforce (Peter Pabst, units and Felk Bauer, costumes) have taken the alternative strategy and adopted a color scheme consisting solely of black.
‘It helped to form me’: Hong Kong Arts Pageant director’s eye-opening learn
‘It helped to form me’: Hong Kong Arts Pageant director’s eye-opening learn
The piece is carried out in opposition to a backdrop of plain black curtains and your complete solid (together with Zerbinetta’s male companions) put on an identical black attire and lengthy wigs, whereas Bacchus enters clad in what can solely be described as a black silk dressing robe.
Finally the comedian troupe do add just a few colored clothes, together with a pair of crimson excessive heels for Zerbinetta, however visually, black on black is simply plain boring.
A bunch of 16 dancers is employed to populate what would in any other case be a largely empty stage, however they’ve little to do aside from stand behind the singers and mimic their gestures.
The second the place the black curtains lastly draw again to let in gentle as Ariadne and Bacchus discover happiness works properly and the ending with the Composer alone on the stage is touching.
By far the very best sequence is the one the place the boys vie for Zerbinetta’s favour with some Chippendales-style enjoyable.
Conductor Patrick Lange and the Bayerisches Staatsorchester did an impressive job within the pit, drawing out the nuances of the rating to nice impact. On stage the present was stolen by Brenda Rae’s star flip as Zerbinetta, vividly acted and sung with breathtaking virtuosity.
There was highly effective dramatic singing from Rachel Willis-Sorensen as Ariadne and Clay Hilley as Bacchus.
Tara Erraught’s exquisitely sung and touchingly acted Composer was a delight, and kudos to Zerbinetta’s suitors (Sean Michael Plumb, Joel Williams, Daniel Noyola and Liam Bonthrone) for singing so properly whereas gallantly performing antics not often anticipated of opera singers.
Hong Kong Arts Pageant: Ariadne Auf Naxos, Bayerische Staatsoper, Hong Kong Cultural Centre Grand Theatre. Reviewed: February 22
