Ariadne auf Naxos at Glyndebourne offers a witty but uneven take on Richard Strauss's opera about an opera. Laurent Pelly's staging shines in its comedic first half, but the emotional weight of the second act feels lacking. This production, part of Glyndebourne's summer season exploring operatic themes, pairs high art with low comedy in a backstage farce that ultimately struggles to deliver the depth the story demands.
Pelly's Witty First Act: Comedy at Its Best
The first part of Ariadne auf Naxos finds Pelly at his finest. Set in the home of Vienna's richest man, Massimo Troncanetti's design features a gilded doorway clashing with a 20th-century chandelier, immediately questioning the patron's taste. William Relton's fearsome Major-Domo dominates every scene, cowing Michael Kraus's Music Master. Ru Charlesworth's chainsmoking Dancing Master slinks around in sequined velvet, a visual nod to Silk Cut advertising.
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Samantha Hankey, with her mellow but gleaming mezzo-soprano, portrays the Composer as an irascible genius. Zerbinetta, the comic lead, teeters in stockings and suspenders. Under Robin Ticciati's buoyant baton, the reduced London Philharmonic players revel in the characters' grand hopes and small tragedies. Pelly plays to stereotypes brilliantly, hitting comic marks without overdoing it.
Second Half Lacks Spark and Insight
However, this opera has two parts. After being told repeatedly that the dinner guests will find rich food and serious opera conducive to sleep, the post-picnic second half disappoints. Pelly's handling is less sparky and less insightful than the first. Ariadne and the cast clamber over a huge mound of earth that feels like an operatic in-joke. In the twilight, it's hard to see the effect of each character's words.
Comparison of Acts in This Production
| Aspect | First Act | Second Act |
|---|---|---|
| Comedy | Sharp, witty, brilliant | Muted, less effective |
| Emotional Depth | Light, character-driven | Lacking, unclear |
| Set Design | Gilded, clashing styles | Mound of earth, confusing |
| Orchestra | Buoyant, revelatory | Less engaging |
Key Takeaways from the Review
- Strong comedic first act with excellent character portrayals.
- Samantha Hankey shines as the irascible Composer.
- Robin Ticciati conducts the London Philharmonic with buoyancy.
- Second half lacks spark and emotional weight.
- Set design in act two feels like an in-joke, not insightful.
FAQ
What is Ariadne auf Naxos about?
Ariadne auf Naxos is Richard Strauss's opera about an opera. It begins backstage as two troupes—one high art, one low—prepare entertainment for a rich patron, then follows the performance when they are forced to combine their acts. The real subject is love.
Who directed this Glyndebourne production?
Laurent Pelly directed this production of Ariadne auf Naxos at Glyndebourne. He is known for his witty staging, though critics note this production lacks emotional weight in the second half.
Is this production worth seeing?
If you enjoy sharp comedy and strong performances, the first act is excellent. However, those seeking deep emotional resonance may find the second half disappointing. It's a mixed but entertaining experience for opera fans.
Overall, Laurent Pelly's Ariadne auf Naxos offers plenty of wit but lacks the weight needed to fully realize Strauss's vision. The first act delights with its comedic brilliance, but the second half fails to deliver the emotional payoff. For opera enthusiasts, it's still a worthwhile watch for the standout performances and clever direction, even if it doesn't reach its full potential.
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