Cavalleria Rusticana

Cavalleria rusticana (Rustic Chivalry) is one of the primary examples of Italian realism. It was both the best and worst thing that happened to Mascagni for its success - never to be repeated - weighed upon the composer all hislife. Based on Vergaâ??s play of the same name the libretto by Targioni-Tozzetti runs as follows: Lola and Turiddu had been lovers but when Turiddu went away to battle Lola married Alfio. When Turiddu returned he and Lolacontinued their affair secretly while he tried to make Lola jealous by starting a casual affair with Santuzza who fell genuinely in love with him. On Easter Sunday Santuzza realising the affair goes to see Turiddu'smother Lucia who keeps a tavern in the village. She is horrified to learn of her sonâ??s infidelity and leaves for the church just missing Turiddu who saunters in thinking of his night with Lola. He is surprised and annoyed tofind Santuzza there and the two begin to quarrel. Lola makes things worse by appearing and taunting Santuzza. Turiddu finally hits Santuzza and escapes.Santuzza tells Alfio of the illicit affair whereupon Alfio flies intoa rage and swears that he will avenge himself the code of honour requires Turiddu's blood to be shed. According to tradition he refuses a glass of wine from Turiddu indicating the dispute and the two make plans to fight.Rushing into the tavern Turiddu bids his mother her to take care of Santuzza. Mamma Lucia is alarmed and as he rushes off Santuzza enters and throws her arms around Lucia's neck just as a woman screams that Turiddu has beenkilled.This is the Schirmer edition of the Libretto in the original Italian with an English translation by Joseph Machlis.

Vocal score for Pietro Mascagni's Cavalleria Rusticana arranged for Voice and Piano accompaniment.

?Cavalleria Rusticana? est la seule oeuvre de Pietro Mascagni connue du grand public. L??Intermezzo? en particulier est magnifique et repr?sente une oeuvre m?lodieuse et pleine d?l?gance pour un programme de concert ?quilibr?. Ce morceau est ?galement id?al pour s'exercer.

When you say Mascagni you immediately think of Cavalleria rusticana. This work brought Mascagni overnight fame after his wife - without him knowing - entered the score in a composition contest and it won first prize. Cavalleria rusticana became an incredible success overshadowing the premiere of his next opera L’Amico Fritz. L’Amico Fritz can still be considered a successful opera with its highlights being the ‘Cherry Duet’ and this intermezzo arranged by the Japanese Kimura.