The London Morning Chronicle reviewed the first performances of Haydn's Arianna a Naxos on February 18, 1791, thus:

"The musical world is at this moment enraptured with a composition which Haydn has brought forth. Nothing is talked of, nothing sought after but his Cantata which was performed by Haydn himself and sung by Paccierotti. It abounds with such variety of dramatic modulations, and is so exquisite in its larmoyant passages, the modulations so deep and scientific, so varied and agitating - that the company was thrown into ecstasies. Every fibre was touched by the captivating energies of the passion . . . and Haydn's Cantata will accordingly be the musical desideratum for the winter."

Arianna a Naxos continued to be a favorite of the English public afterward. The publisher Bland, who had received the autograph of the cantata from Haydn while visiting him in Hungary, presented the work in print. It could be bought "at the usual addresses" and, furthermore, adorned with the artist's initials, in Haydn's own London apartment. When Haydn was awarded the honorary degree of Doctor of Music in Oxford, the concerts celebrating the event featured, apart from his famous symphonies, Arianna a Naxos, again with the composer at the clavier.

The cantata was probably written in 1789, and the piano part was written to be played by Haydn himself. Haydn was a violinist and as such the piano part is not difficult but highly emotional and intensely dramatic, demanding power of expression but not extraordinary technical skill.

The cantata alternates arias and recitatives and the music is entirely based upon the dramatic text:

Theseus my Love! Where are you? Where are you? I thought you were near me, but I was deceived by a vain and flattering dream. The reddish dawn is already rising in the sky, and Phebus, coming up from the sea with his golden hair, colors the grass and the flowers. Husband, beloved husband! Where have you gone? Perhaps your noble zeal summoned you to hunt the wild beasts? Oh come to me, my dear, come, and I will present more rewarding prey for your bonds. Hold fast, hold fast with a tighter knot the heart of your loving Ariadne, who adores you every moment, and the flame of our love will shine more beautifully. I can not bear to be parted from you a single moment . . . oh, how I need to see you, my dear, my heart longs for you. Come, come, adored one.

Where are you, my beloved, who has stolen you away from my heart? If you do not come back I shall die and no longer struggle with my sorrow. If you are merciful, oh gods, lend support to my vows! Bring my beloved back to me! Where are you? Theseus! Where are you, my beloved, who has stolen you away from my heart? If you do not come back I shall die and no longer struggle with my sorrow.

But to whom do I speak? Echo alone answers to my tones. Theseus does not hear me. Theseus does not answer me, and the voices are carried about by the winds and the waves. He can not be far away; I shall climb the highest rock, and from there I shall discover him. Oh heavens, what do I see, the Argive boat! They are Greeks! Theseus is at the bow! Oh, if only I were mistaken, but no, no, I am not mistaken, he flees, he abandons me. There is no more hope, I have been betrayed. Theseus! But alas! I am going mad! The waves and the wind are taking him out of my sight forever; you are unjust, oh God, if you do not punish this wicked ingrate. Why, then, did I save you from death? You had to betray me! And your promises! And your vows, faithless perjurer! You have the heart to leave me! To whom can I turn? From whom can I hope for pity? I can no longer resist, my foot stumbles, and in such a bitter moment I feel in my breast the faltering of my trembling soul.

Oh, that I could die in so fatal a moment, but the unjust heavens spare me for harsh torment. Unhappy abandoned one, I have no one to comfort me. He whom I loved so much steals himself away, barbarous, faithless one!!