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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.
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