By: Suzanne Whitney & Betsy Schwarm
Because the American composer Paul Moravec says, “opera is about three issues: love, dying, and energy,” and that would not be extra true for Mascagni’s Cavalleria rusticana. This one-act opera could solely be seventy-five minutes, however the story packs in household drama, infidelity, a duel, and even a few wonderful ingesting songs.
This masterpiece zooms in on the intricacies of small-town life in nineteenth-century Sicily. Mascagni masterfully layers the fantastic thing about the pastoral city on Easter morning with the strict behavoral codes of honor to which its inhabitants are sure. Whether or not dealing with an untrue partner or a being pregnant outdoors of marriage, “cavalleria rusticana” or “rustic chivalry” reigns supreme. Study extra concerning the creators, characters, and plot of this piece under!
The Creators of Cavalleria rusticana
Composer – Pietro Mascagni (December 1863 – August 1945)
Librettists – Giovanni Targioni-Tozzetti (March 1863 – Might 1934) and Guido Menasci (March 1867 – December 1925)
Supply Materials – Cavalleria rusticana, a play written by Giovanni Verga (September 1840 – January 1922)
The Characters of Cavalleria rusticana
Santuzza (mezzo-soprano) – A Sicilian peasant woman. Performed by Catherine Martin, who returns to Opera Colorado after her 2015 firm debut as Amneris in Aïda.
Turiddu (tenor) – A younger Sicilian soldier on go away. Performed by Roberto De Biasio, who’s making his Opera Colorado debut.
Mamma Lucia (mezzo-soprano) – tavern keeper, and mom of Turiddu. Performed by Catherine Prepare dinner, who returns to Opera Colorado after starring in one among our 2021 digital choices April in Paris, and as Ježibaba in Rusalka in 2011.
Lola (mezzo-soprano) – Turiddu’s former lover and the spouse of Alfio. Performed by Kira Dills-DeSurra, well-known to Opera Colorado audiences as a former Opera Colorado Artist in Residence.
Alfio (baritone) – Lola’s husband. Performed by Malcolm MacKenzie, who returns to Opera Colorado after taking part in Germont in La traviata in 2018.
The Setting of Cavalleria rusticana
Easter morning in Sicily—late nineteenth century
The Plot of Cavalleria rusticana
The opera begins with a serenade from Turiddu, singing about his former lover, Lola. Whereas Turiddu was off at conflict, Lola selected to marry one other, Alfio. Upon his return, Turiddu had a short love affair with Santuzza, one other woman from the village. This Easter morning, Santuzza enters in search of Turiddu at his mom Lucia’s tavern. Mamma Lucia invitations her in, however Santuzza balks at getting into as she has been excommunicated for her affair and ensuing being pregnant. He’s not right here, Lucia says, although Santuzza doesn’t consider her. Their dialog is interrupted by the arrival of Alfio and his rowdy pals. Alfio regales the gang with an account of the charms of his spouse, Lola.
A non secular procession enters the church throughout the sq.. Regardless of the sacred backdrop, Santuzza confides in Mamma Lucia that Turiddu has taken up with Lola once more. Mamma Lucia is upset by the dialog and departs for mass. Turiddu returns to the city sq. to seek out Santuzza alone. She confronts Turiddu about his romantic indiscretions, which he denies, declaring her accusations to be jealous fantasies. Within the midst of this lover’s quarrel, Lola passes on her solution to church. Regardless of Santuzza’s pleading, Turiddu follows Lola. Santuzza curses him: “A te la mala Pasqua!” (An evil Easter upon you). Then, she seeks revenge by telling Alfio about Lola and Turiddu’s affair. Within the face of Alfio’s rage, Santuzza instantly regrets talking however can not take again the phrases. The die has been solid.
After mass, Turiddu is in Mamma Lucia’s tavern, encouraging the gathered villagers to affix him in a ingesting track. Alfio arrives and confronts Turiddu, difficult him to a duel. Turiddu accepts. Earlier than departing for the competition, he asks his mom to take care of Santuzza if want be. Mamma Lucia and Santuzza await phrase of the results of the duel. They hear distant cries, and the information arrives—Turiddu has been slain.
Synopsis © Betsy Schwarm, writer of the Classical Music Insights collection.
When you made it by this entire put up, you need to take pleasure in a few of the music from this masterpiece! Tickets to Opera Colorado’s one-night-only concert-style efficiency of Cavalleria rusticana are on sale now! Tickets begin at simply $39>>
—
What’s your favourite second in Cavalleria rusticana? Is there something you’re dying to know concerning the opera or our manufacturing? Tell us within the feedback under!
