Listening Guide

Connection to the Story: The short overture introduces us to two of the opera’s best tunes: the Composer’s Ode to Music and the duet between Bacchus and Ariadne. Strauss achieves a lightness of texture by using a small 37-piece orchestra.

Connection to the Story: The Composer declares his conviction in the power of music, the most sacred of the arts.

Connection to the Story: In the first section of Ariadne’s great monologue, she has a vision of Hermes, the messenger of death, and rejoices in the deliverance from life he might provide for her.

Connection to the Story: In the rondo section of Zerbinetta’s showpiece coloratura aria, she describes the satisfaction of having had a succession of lovers.

Connection to the Story: The Opera ends with an extended love duet for Bacchus and Ariadne. In Bacchus’s arms, Ariadne finally finds consolation.