After the success of "Der Rosenkavalier", Richard Strauss and his librettist, Hofmannsthal, devised an elaborate and unusual double-bill, requiring both a theatrical and an operatic company for the same evening. It was a translation of Moliere's comedy "Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme" (1670), to be performed with incidental music by Strauss, then followed by an opera,
"Ariadne auf Naxos", the writing and rehearsing of which has been part of the play.
This extravaganza was produced in 1912 but subsequently revised to the fully operatic version of "Ariadne" known today.
This BBC studio recording offers the original pairing of play and opera.
"Le Bourgeois Gentilhomme" by Moliere translated by – Miles Malleson, adapted by Ian Cotterell
Incidental music by Strauss
BBC Symphony Orchestra, leader Rodney Friend
Eilene Hannan and Linda Finnie (sopranos)
conducted by David Atherton
with Leo McKern as Monsieur Jourdain
Narrator John Rye

6.45-6.50* During the Interval Lully Gavotte:
Chaconne (Le bourgeois gcntilhomme)
Scottish Baroque Ensemble, directed by Leonard Friedman (violin): record

7.20 Ariadne auf Naxos
Music by Strauss Libretto by Hofmannstahl
Original version, sung in the English translation by Tom Hammond
BBC Symphony Orchestra, leader Rodney Friend
conducted by David Atherton