CAVALLERIA RUSTICANA

Music by Pietro Mascagni
Libretto by G. Targioni-Tozzetti and G. Menasci after a story by G. Verga
English translations by either Frederic Weatherly or Tom Hammond

THE STORY

(Sicily; late 19th century)

It is Easter Day in a Sicilian village and the townsfolk are gathering at the Church for Mass. Santuzza is trying to discover from Lucia the whereabouts of Turiddu, her former lover, who has now deserted her for Lola. Lucia tells Santuzza that Turiddu is away buying wine but Santuzza knows differently and tells Lucia about her son's secret liaisons with Lola. Before he left to serve in the army, Turiddu was in love with Lola but, unable to wait for his return, she married Alfio. With Lola unavailable, Turiddu turned his attentions to Santuzza until the jealous Lola lured him back to her. When Santuzza accuse Turiddu of infidelity, he denies it. They quarrel violently and Santuzza is hurled to the ground as Turiddu angrily rushes past her into the Church. In her fury, Santuzza tells Alfio of Lola's deception, realising too late the consequences of her words. Without delay Alfio challenges Turiddu to a duel which he accepts. Bidding farewell to his mother, he asks her to take good care of Santuzza. Shortly afterwards shouts are heard that Turiddu has been killed.

PRINCIPAL CHARACTERS (plus Chorus)

Santuzza (a Village Girl)
Turiddu (her Former Lover)
Lucia (his Mother)
Alfio (a Carrier)
Lola (his Wife)

 

PRINCIPAL MUSICAL NUMBERS

Easter Hymn (Santuzza, Lucia, Chorus)
Voi Lo Sapete (Santuzza)
Ah! Lo Vedi (Santuzza, Turiddu)
Intermezzo (Orchestra)

 INSTRUMENTATION

2 Piccolos ; 2 Flutes ; 2 Oboes ; 2 Clarinets ; 2 Bassoons ; 4 Horns ; 2 Trumpets ; 3 Trombones ; 1 Tuba ; 1 Timpani ; 3 Percussion ; 3 Harps (1 on-stage) ; 1 Bells ; 1 Organ Strings ; 1 Full Score