This unique opera is a gently satirical artistic debate contrasting the artificial conventions of opera seria with the direct, knockabout humour of the commedia dell'arte. The story begins with a wealthy gentleman commissioning an evening of entertainment comprising of an opera seria and a burlesque from a troupe of commedia dell'arte actors.
The prologue goes behind-the-scenes and reveals the reactions when the companies find out what a mismatched double bill they are taking part in. Then it is announced that the performances must be shortened to make room for a fireworks display, and the patron has decided that the opera seria and burlesque should be combined.
The one-act chamber opera Ariadne auf Naxos then takes place, with the abandoned and inconsolable Ariadne's intense longing for death interrupted by the comedians trying to cheer her up. Marco Arturo Marelli's production for the Semperoper Dresden features finely sung and acted performances from a spirited cast led by Sophie Koch as the composer, Susan Anthony as Ariadne and Iride Martinez as Zerbinetta.
