Cavalleria Rusticana October 15, 2008

An opera composed by Pietro Mascagni, with libretto by Giovanni Targioni-Tozzetti and Guido Menasci. Turiddu and Lola were sweeathearts, but Turiddu went away to carry out his required military service. Upon his return, he learns that Lola has married Alfio, a local drover. In a jealous fit he begins an affair with the lovelorn Santuzza, but his heart remains with Lola. Lola, too, still harbors affection for Turiddu. When Alfio leaves on business one day, Lola and Turiddu meet in secret for an illicit encounter. The affair, however, is discovered and pits Turiddu and Alfio against one another in a battle for honor.