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The opera
A STORY OF LOVE AND BLOOD SET IN ARCHAIC SICILY
Set at the end of the eighteenth century, Cavalleria Rusticana overflows with pathos conveyed through world-renowned melodies. A violent tragedy focused on marital infidelity mixes the ingredients of love, jealousy and final deadly revenge. The extremely tight musical and narrative rhythm is a fundamental component of this opera, deemed to be the first masterpiece of Musical Verismo. The rebellious and impetuous temperament of Pietro Mascagni is shown through irregular musical phrasing and extremely varied harmonic choices. Everything is fast; the entire score is pervaded by a sustained tension.