Ariadne on Naxos (1979)

The action of the opera tokes place on a secluded island where Diano has retired with her attendant Nymphs, all dedicated to a life of chastity. The Tree where their ceremonies ore performed hos magical qualities which test their virtue and reveal the slightest tendency to backsliding, even in thought.

A new guardian for the Tree, the shepherd Doristo, is brought to the island. He is left sleeping near the magical Tree by Diana’s three favorite Nymphs, l3ritomorte, Clizio and Cloe. He wakes and marvels at his surroundings. Suddenly Amore appears, explains Diana’s plans for him, and asks him to help in upsetting them. Doristo is all for seducing the girls at once, but Amore warns him not to be rash, and disappears. Diano and her somewhat unwilling companions arrive, extolling the virtues of their chaste, secluded life. Doristo at once scandalizes Diano, and boldly asks her for a kiss. For this he is transformed into a tree and left alone. Amore has led Endimione and Silvio to the island, and they now run into the garden, quarreling over Silvio’s favorite dog. They’re interrupted by Amore, now disguised as a girl, who restores Doristoto life and disappears again, leaving him to explain the situation as best he con to the others. They all look for ways to escape, but are mocked by the unseen Amore. Diana’s three Nymphs now discover the men.

Britomorte is quick to abandon her vows, and pro- poses that they should all get together, to the horror of her more cautious companions. She chooses Silvio for herself, and they are about to go off when Amore’s voice warns them that Diano is approaching. The men ore quickly hidden and the girls leave. Amore confronts Diano with a direct challenge to her authority. Diano claims that her kingdom is inviolable, but she is dumbfounded when Amore reveals the three hidden men. In spite of her threats, Silvio and Endimione foll in love with her. Amore gives them arrows and sends them in search of her, promising that the first one to strike her in the heart will win her. Meanwhile, still disguised as a girl, he consoles Doristo and promises to marry him later on. Doristo is left alone, and decides to experiment by going beneath the Tree. Immediately it glows with light, and sweet music is heard extolling the Goddess and her life of chastity. Doristo is fascinated, but for from convinced. Diano now returns in high anger, commanding her Nymphs to shoot Doristo, but Amore reappears to mock the girls and protect Doristo with a shield of roses. Diano raises her bow to shoot him herself, but is interrupted by Silvio. He finds himself overpowered by his feelings for her, but Endimione sizes this moment to touch her heart with the arrow that Amore gave him. Diano now finds her strength ebbing away, but recovers to threaten vengeance on oil those who hove become traitors.