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Cavalleria rusticana |
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Cavalleria rusticana
Fast facts: an opera in one act by Pietro Mascagni to a libretto by Giovanni Targioni-Tozzetti and Guido Menasci after Giovanni Verga's play.
The European premiere was at Teatro Constanzi, Rome, 17 May 1890
Main Cast: Santuzza (soprano), a young peasant woman; Turiddu (tenor), a young peasant; Lucia (contralto), his mother, an innkeeper; Alfio (baritone), a carrier; Lola (mezzo-soprano), Alfio's wife; villagers.
Synopsis:
Lola and Turiddu once were sweethearts but she married the local carrier Alfio when Turiddu entered the military. When Turiddu returned, he retaliated by starting a casual affair with Santuzza, who genuinely loves with him.
Before long, however, the old passion breaks out again and in the opening moments, Turiddu is heard serenading Lola before dawn as he leaves her house. Lucia, Turiddu’s mother is surprised to learn from Santuzza that her son is still seeing Lola and invites the other into her house to talk about it, but Santuzza refuses, saying that in her dishonored state she cannot, nor can she join the other villagers in church for the Easter service. She pours out her frustration and grief to Turiddu's mother.
Turiddu arrives, annoyed when confronted by Santuzza. He seems not to be completely immune to Santuzza’s plight, but he is obsessed with Lola. Turiddu tries to follow Lola into the church, only to be stopped by Santuzza. In growing anger, he tells Santuzza to leave him alone; when she refuses he pushes her away and disappears into the church.
Santuzza tells Lola’s husband, Alfio, about the affair. Alfio flies into a rage and swears that he will avenge her and himself. After the church service, Turiddu invites all the villagers to a glass of wine. When Alfio refuses to join in, Turiddu realizes Alfio knows about his affair and that he must accept Alfio's challenge. Rushing back to his mother, Turiddu asks for her blessing and begs her to take care of Santuzza. He then leaves for his duel with Alfio. Santuzza joins Lucia and together hear the news that Turiddu has been killed.
José Cura made his debut at the Metropolitan Opera in Cavalleria rusticana (1999), becoming only the second tenor in history to debut on opening night (the other being Enrico Caruso in 1902). In 2006, Cura joined an exclusive club that includes Mario del Monico and Benjamin Gigli.
Last Updated: Sunday, August 06, 2006
© Copyright: Kira
