The opera begins softly with a sad chorus. Church bells ring. I am transported completely and it all reminds me of John Hersey’s book A Bell for Adano, that also takes place in Sicily and during war time. In the book a good hearted American officer attempts to help the town procure a replacement bell because theirs was taken away and melted for artillery.
I feel like Cinderella! The playbill my tiara, the Northeast Corridor my pumpkin, and Chaltin my Prince.
My first time back to the metropolitan opera since La Boheme in 2005!
I wouldn’t be here without Chaltin, but she doesn’t join me.
So what is Cavalerria Rusticana all about?, Turiddu has returned from the military to find that his girlfriend Lola has married Alfio. Jealousy points its fingers in every direction. Turiddu is jealous of Alfio so he seduces a town woman named Santuzza, so then Lola becomes jeoulous of Santuzza. It’s hard to keep a secret in a small town and Alfio wants revenge. Will he get it?
Listen for:
The Intermezzo – This, placeholder between scenes, just 3 minutes evokes a lifetime: memory, regret, longing, gratitude, and hope. Only music could send me on such an emotional journey and touch me so deep in the marrow over the course 3 minutes. I Just close my eyes and listen.
Notes on the production
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Georgeous singing
Composer……………………….. Pietro Mascagni
Turiddu………………………….…Roberto Alagna
Santuzza………………………..…Ekaterina Semenchuck
Alfio………………………………. George Gagnidze
Conductor……………………… Nicola Luisotti
The Metropolitan Opera
2/1/2018