As we enter the final week of preparation of Ariadne auf Naxos, I reflect with gratitude and admiration on the level of professionalism being demonstrated by the cast members of this production. Even though we at Indianapolis Opera are accustomed to having only three weeks to bring principals, chorus and orchestra together into a smooth performance, it is an exhausting process.
Comedy Troupe in Ariadne at work.
Ariadne is even more demanding than usual. The singers must deal with the complex melodies and rhythms of their own parts, and stay on track while other performers sing simultaneously but sometimes in a different meter. Add to this musical difficulty the stage action, or, in the case of those in the comedy troupe, skipping, hopping and juggling. Some must adjust to singing with a mask on.
The Prologue is especially difficult on conductors because of all the starts and stops. This is the “conversational” part of the opera that sets up the plot. It takes a tremendous amount of concentration so that no one misses a cue. Often I find that I have taken in breath with the singers but forgotten to exhale because I was so focused. So when we get past that first 15 minutes of conversation and into the musical flow, I remember to exhale and out comes a huge sigh.
That doesn’t mean the remainder is easy. Much of this opera is wickedly fast, and all the artists must use their entire attention to stay on top of it. It takes the same concentration it would if you were driving 200 miles per hour, white knuckles gripping the steering wheel. It leaves no room for mental slips or errors.
When putting together an opera as musically difficult as Ariadne, it takes a cast of the highest caliber of professionalism and preparedness to become the well-honed team it takes to make it all work. And that is what you will see this weekend! Because this cast is so talented and so professional, they will make it look easy.
Jim
