Melodically 'Madama Butterfly' is perhaps not so fresh or
abundant as 'La Boheme,' but the composer's touch is firmer and surer in
handling dramatic situations. 'Madama Butterfly' is unquestionably one
of the most interesting and important operas of modern times, as it is
one of the most attractive. It has established Puccini more firmly than
ever in the position of the leading operatic composer of the day.
The name of Pietro Mascagni is chiefly connected in the minds of
opera-goers with 'Cavalleria Rusticana,' This work, which was produced
in 1890, lifted its composer at once into popularity. The story is
founded upon one of Verga's Sicilian tales. Turiddu, a village Adonis,
is beloved by the fair Lola. He enlists as a soldier, and on his return
from the wars finds that the fickle damsel has married Alfio, a carter.
He looks round him for fresh conquests, and his choice falls upon
Santuzza. This arouses all Lola's latent coquetry, and she soon
contrives to win him back to her side. The deserted Santuzza appeals in
vain to his love and pity. He repulses her roughly, and in despair she
tells Alfio the story of his wife's inconstancy. Alfio challenges
Turiddu to mortal combat, and kills him as the curtain falls. Squalid as
the story is, it is full of life and movement, and has that simple
directness which is essential to success. The music is melodious, if
not very original, and vigorous even to brutality.
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