Just recently got acquainted with R. Strauss' "Ariadne auf Naxos." Why
I've taken so long to get to it, I don't know--perhaps because some of
the later operas get a lot more press.

Anyway, as far as beautiful melodies go, you will find an embarrasment
of riches here.  The reason I'm pointing Ariadne out to Mozart lovers is
because of the delicate chamber orchestration--no triple forte assaults
here!  I have the Levine/VPO version which I hear will soon be available
at midprice.  Kathleen Battle is Zerbinetta!

Enjoy!

John Smyth