Fascinating Works by Pietro Mascagni
Pietro Mascagni (1863–1945) played a significant role in ushering in the verismo (realism) movement in Italian music, which emphasized naturalistic and often raw portrayals of everyday life. His crowning achievement is Cavalleria rusticana, which premiered in 1890 at the Teatro Costanzi in Rome. This opera set a new direction for Italian opera, embodying the gritty realism of the verismo style. It draws from Giovanni Verga’s short story and play, focusing on themes of love, betrayal, and revenge in rural Sicily.
Other Notable Operas
Despite being often labeled a “one-opera man,” Mascagni’s L’amico Fritz and Iris have remained significant in the European operatic repertoire since their premieres, particularly in Italy.