El beso de Ariadna

Les Luthiers, an Argentine comedy-musical group known for their satirical and humorous performances, present a unique take on classical music and opera in their piece 'El beso de Ariadna.' The song is a parody that humorously critiques the compromises artists often make between inspiration and commercial demands. The narrative revolves around the fictional composer Mastropiero, who is forced to create music on commission, resulting in uninspired and mediocre works. This sets the stage for the comedic exploration of the aria 'La invocación al beso' from the opera 'Ariadna y Teseo.'

The song begins with a mock-serious introduction by Marcos, who explains Mastropiero's predicament. The first version of the aria is a dramatic plea by Teseo to the gods, nymphs, and muses, yearning for a kiss from Ariadna. The exaggeratedly tragic tone and the humorous mispronunciations and mistakes, such as 'mesas' instead of 'musas,' highlight the absurdity of the situation. This version is intentionally over-the-top, poking fun at the grandiosity often associated with classical opera.

As the song progresses, the demands of the fictional empresario lead to increasingly simplified and accessible versions of the aria. The second version, while still maintaining some of the original's dramatic flair, becomes more direct and emotionally straightforward. By the third and final version, the aria has transformed into a catchy, simplistic tune with repetitive 'shalalalá' phrases, completely stripping away any pretense of high art. This evolution underscores the tension between artistic integrity and commercial viability, a common theme in Les Luthiers' work.

Through 'El beso de Ariadna,' Les Luthiers cleverly use humor and satire to comment on the compromises artists often face. The song's progression from a complex, dramatic piece to a simplistic, commercial jingle serves as a humorous critique of the music industry's pressures. The group's ability to blend comedy with musical talent makes this piece a memorable and thought-provoking commentary on the nature of artistic creation.