Performers:

• Małgorzata Walewska (Santuzza)
• Arnold Rutkowski (Turiddu)
• Mariusz Godlewski (Alfio)
• Wanda Franek (Lola)
• Lucia (Dobromiła Lebiecka)

 
Polish Radio Choir and Beethoven Academy Orchestra under the direction of Francesco Bottigliero

The one-act opera Cavalleria rusticana by Pietro Mascagni is said to be the work beginning the verismo era in the opera history. The story of tragic love in the nineteenth century Sicilian village is based on a play by Giovanni Verga. The premiere performance at a competition for young composers in Rome in 1890 was a great success, bringing an undisputed win to Pietro Mascagni and beginning his very long career. The faith of the disgraced Santuzza, who raging from pain, takes vengeance on her beloved, leading to a fatal duel, is embedded in a reality ruled by conventions, where honor is something worth dying for. The composer tells the story with a wide orchestra sound, long floating phrases and heart warming arias. Spring carelessness of Southern Italy, fervent prayers and a great love drama are portrayed by the music. The famous Intermezzo has achieved an independent repertoire position, played separately at various classic music concerts.