Historic Garibaldi-Meucci Museum to Present Cavalleria Rusticana This Weekend

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.

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