RUSTIC CAVALRY
Opera in one act, to a libretto by Giovanni Targioni-Tozzetti and Guido Menasci, after the play of the same name by Giovanni Verga
Cavalleria Rusticana by Pietro Mascagni is an opera in one act that premiered on May 17, 1890, at the Burgtheater in Vienna. Adapted from a play written by Giovanni Verga, the opera takes place on an Easter morning in 19th century Sicily. A sad and restless girl, Santuzza, is looking for her lover, Turiddu, who betrayed her and returned to his ex-fiancée, Lola, who in the meantime married the rich Alfio. Santuzza tries in vain to win back her lover. Crazy with jealousy, she tells Alfio, the cuckolded husband, about Lola and Turiddu. At that moment, Turridu's fate is sealed. Alfio challenges him to a duel. Thus, after saying goodbye to his mother, Turiddu leaves for the fateful meeting.
TWELVE YEARS LATER
Idea of Sicilian director and actor Franco Zapala, director of Gran Teatro Tenda Zappalà, the opera Dodici anni dopo ( Twelve years later ) is inspired by the homonymous drama of Giovanni Grasso, one of the greatest Italian actors of the 20th century, protagonist of some very famous silent films, many of which have disappeared or been destroyed.
Dodici anni dopo is considered a continuation of the opera Cavalleria rusticana , from which it retains some fundamental musical features. The action takes place in Sicily, at Easter, 12 years after the tragic episode of Cavalleria rusticana , marking the day when Alfio is released from prison and heads to the village, in secret, longing to be forgiven by everyone. In an atmosphere of redemption that characterizes the end of the opera, it succeeds in fulfilling its intention.
