THE CHIVALRY OF THE PEASANT. HIJACKING

The premiere of Peasant Chivalry (Cavalleria rusticana) took place in Rome in 1890. It is considered to be the first verist opera.

The opera was successful on all the great European stages. Contributing to its success was not only the theme of the libretto (according to the novel by Giovanni Verga, a naturalist writer), but also the general simplification of the theatrical means and the enormous richness of melodies reflecting the character and atmosphere of the south of Italy (scenes from the life of Sicilian peasants: returning from the field, mass in the village church or the image of a rural tavern). The famous choir Gli aranci olezzano or the majestic Regina coeli are among the most moving pieces of music in the history of opera.

Summary of libretta:

Turiddu, Santuzza's fiancé, is romancing his former sweetheart Lola. She is currently married to the driver Alfia. Despite Santuzza's pleas, Turiddu refuses to return to her. Santuzza curses him. A distraught girl in affection talks about her wife's affair to Alfie. A jealous driver vows revenge.

In Mamma Lucia's obituary, unforgivable insults occur between Turiddu and Alfi, followed by a ritual challenge to a duel. Turiddu, in a premonition of death, says goodbye to her mother, asking her to take Santuzza under her roof. After a moment of increasing silence, a scream is heard...

Pajace - an opera composed, like The Peasant's Chivalry for the competition in 1890, waited for its premiere until 1892. Since then (under the baton of Toscanini) it has enjoyed great popularity and has been staged with great success to this day.

The south of Italy. Canio, the head of traveling comedians is the jealous husband of Neddy, to whom comedian Tonio is recommended. Nedda, meanwhile, loves young Silvia and wants to escape with him. The despised Tonio notifies of their affection for Cania, who plants himself on the lovers. Silvio managed to escape, and Nedda does not reveal his name.

The next day, the comedians stage a play whose action resembles actual events: Canio-Pajac is betrayed by Nedde-Colombina with Harlequin. Canio begins to lose control of himself, seeing a tragic similarity between his situation and that of the protagonist of the play. When Nedda, also on stage as Colombina, refuses to reveal her lover's name, Canio kills her first and then Silvia, who rushes to the rescue.

After the high-profile premiere at the MET (1895), it was customary in most theaters to stage Peasant Knighthood and Pajace together and announce in one premiere poster.