Synopsis - ARIADNE auf Naxos

Set in Vienna during the 1800s, a wealthy man has commissioned a new opera seria to be presented in his home to entertain his guests. The opera will be about the Greek mythological figure, Ariadne, whom – according to the legend – was abandoned by her lover on the island of Naxos.  The Major Domo then enters to announce that after the opera there will be Harlequinade entertainment. Further, everything must be complete by 9:00pm, which is when the fireworks will begin.  The room is full of energy as the opera cast and the comedians begin work on their acts.

To make matters even more difficult, the Major Domo later makes one more change to the evening’s plans: that is, the opera seria and the comedic entertainment will be played simultaneously.  A seemingly impossible task to the two troupes: the opera seria has presented the story of Ariadne as a tragedy, while the comedic troupe – led by Zerbinetta – portrays a more light-hearted version of the same story.  The Composer and Ariadne argue their sides without resolve.

Shortly thereafter, the curtain rises on the opera, which the home owner and guests are watching. The scene begins in a cave, where Ariadne can be seen sleeping. A great serious scene then begins, in which Ariadne expresses her grief and loss. All the while Zerbinetta and the Harlequinade quartet, also on stage, think of ways to console her. Ignoring the presence of the comedic act, Ariadne makes a dramatic plea for death to come upon her. The comedians make another attempt to cheer up Ariadne, but she will not have it. Zerbinetta then attempts to speak with Ariadne woman-to-woman; Zerbinetta explains that Ariadne isn’t the first to be abandoned by her lover, nor will she be the last. Ariadne, overcome by grief, disappears into the cave.

While Ariadne is in the cave, a distant voice is heard approaching: it’s Bacchus, a youthful God, and he is seeking a new adventure. Ariadne is called from the cave just in time to meet Bacchus. The opera ends with an extended love duet between Ariadne and Bacchus.