Ariadne Auf Naxos

Prologue

The richest man in Vienna is hosting a performance at his palace. His many servants prepare the stage, while the performers are making their own preparations behind the scenes. Two different troupes have been hired for the event; one troupe is presenting a new opera "Ariadne auf Naxos" by a young up-and-coming composer, while the other is presenting a comedic masquerade in the commedia dell’arte style. There is tension between the two troupes as they both want to be the center of the performance. The Composer desperately attempts to rehearse different members of the opera, but everyone is either out to dinner, or not paying any attention to him.

He is suddenly inspired by a new melody that he wants the Tenor to hear, but he is too busy arguing with the Wigmaker. Surprising and disgruntling everyone, the Major Domo announces that there will be a change in program, and that the two performances will have to be given simultaneously. The Composer, attracted to