The world premiere of *Cavalleria rusticana* took place in Rome in 1890. It is considered the first verismo opera.

The opera was a success on all the major European stages. Its success was due not only to the subject matter of the libretto (based on a novel by Giovanni Verga, a writer of the naturalist school) , but also the overall simplification of theatrical devices and the immense richness of melodies capturing the character and atmosphere of southern Italy (scenes from the lives of Sicilian peasants: returning from the fields, Mass in a village church, or a scene in a village tavern). The famous chorus “Gli aranci olezzano” and the majestic “Regina coeli” are among the most moving musical passages in the history of opera.

Synopsis of the libretto:
Turiddu, Santuzza’s fiancé, is having an affair with his former lover, Lola. She is now married to the coachman Alfio. Despite Santuzza’s pleas, Turiddu refuses to return to her. Santuzza curses him. In a fit of despair, the distraught girl tells Alfio about his wife’s affair. The jealous coachman swears revenge.

At Mamma Lucia’s tavern, unforgivable insults are exchanged between Turiddu and Alfio, followed by a ritual challenge to a duel. Turiddu, sensing his impending death, bids farewell to his mother, asking her to take Santuzza into her home. After a moment of mounting silence, a scream is heard....

Pagliacci—an opera composed, like Cavalleria Rusticana, for a competition in 1890—did not have its world premiere until 1892. Since then (under Toscanini’s baton), it has enjoyed immense popularity and continues to be staged with great success to this day.

Synopsis of the libretto:
Southern Italy. Canio, the leader of a troupe of traveling comedians, is the jealous husband of Nedda, whom the comedian Tonio is courting. Meanwhile, Nedda is in love with the young Silvio and wants to run away with him. The spurned Tonio informs Canio of their affair, and Canio lies in wait for the lovers. Silvio manages to escape, and Nedda refuses to reveal his name.

The next day, the troupe performs a play whose plot mirrors real-life events: Canio—the Clown—is betrayed by Nedda—Colombina—with Harlequin. Canio begins to lose control, seeing the tragic similarity between his own situation and that of the play’s protagonist. When Nedda—also on stage as Colombina—refuses to reveal her lover’s name, Canio first kills her and then Silvio, who rushes to her rescue.

After its sensational premiere at the MET (1895), it became customary for most theaters to stage *Cavalleria Rusticana* and *Pagliacci* together and to announce them on a single premiere poster.

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VILLAGE CHIVALRY. THE CLOWNS - an opera

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