Cavalleria Rusticana To Be Presented at Historic Garibaldi-Meucci Museum, 3/18

On Sunday, March 18 at 1 p.m., Nicholas Spilotro will present "Giovanni Verga, Pietro Mascagni and 'Cavalleria Rusticana'-the Beginnings of Verismo in Italian Literature and Opera," as part of the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum's Terza Domenica Heritage Series. In his presentation, Mr. Spilotro will explain the origin of the Italian Verismo movement, and screen a performance of the definitive Verismo opera "Cavalleria Rusticana" ("Rustic Chivalry").

Verismo (meaning "realism," from the Italian word "vero" meaning "true") was an Italian literary movement that was very popular between 1875 and the 1920s. Instead of depicting the actions of "noble" characters, the heroes of verismo opera are common, unsophisticated people of the lower class. The operas have melodramatic, highly passionate and sometimes violent plots, often depicting murders caused by jealousy.

"Cavalleria Rusticana" was conceived as a contest entry. In 1888 Milanese music publisher Edoardo Sonzogno invited submissions from Italian composers who had not yet had an opera performed on-stage. The best three, selected by a jury of five prominent Italian critics and composers, would be staged in Rome at Sonzogno's expense. On opening night "Cavalleria Rusticana" was such a sensation that Mascagni took 40 curtain calls-and won first prize.

A one-page handout with a synopsis and listing of the principal characters will be distributed to aid in discussion of the opera. Admission of $10 for non-members, $5 for members, includes a light reception.

For more information, visit www.garibaldimeuccimuseum.org or call 718-442-1608. The historic Italian landmark on Staten Island, the Garibaldi-Meucci Museum is owned and administered by the Order Sons of Italy in America.

The Garibaldi-Meucci Museum was the home of Antonio Meucci, the true inventor of the telephone, and a refuge to Giuseppe Garibaldi, the legendary hero who championed the unification of Italy. For over 50 years the museum has fulfilled its mission to preserve the legacies of these great men, and to promote understanding of the Italian-American heritage through cultural, artistic and educational programs and classes.

Regular museum hours are 1 p.m.-5 p.m., Wednesday through Saturday. Admission is $5 per person, members and children under 10 are free. Call ahead for groups of 10 or more. The first floor of the museum is wheelchair accessible, but the restroom is on the second floor. At press time, program funding has been provided through the Order Sons of Italy in America; by public funds from the New York City Department of Cultural Affairs in partnership with the City Council; the Office of the Staten Island Borough President, Richmond County Savings Foundation; Northfield Bank Foundation, and by grants allocated by New York State Senator Diane Savino and New York City Council members Vincent Ignizio and James Oddo.     

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