Arianna in Nasso (Ariadne on Naxos)

"[Cornelia Horak] doesn't quite have the necessary star quality, though Thomas Michael Allen in the distinctly secondary role of Bacchus is much more than adequate, and Franz Hauk ensures Mayr's striking orchestral textures make their point." (The Guardian)

The Bavarian-born composer Simon Mayr spent his compositional life in Italy, spreading the influence of Viennese classicism whilst himself being influenced by prevailing Italian models. His cantata Arianna in Nasso (Ariadne on Naxos) was written for the leading soprano Isabella Colbran, who was later to marry Rossini. Her virtuosity inspired Mayr, and his cantata is a stirring example of vivid nature writing, refined pathos, and joyous celebration. Franz Hauk and the Simon Mayr Chorus and Ensemble are the world's leading Mayr exponents and their recordings have received the highest critical acclaim.