Cavalleria rusticana (Rustic Chivalry) is one of the primary examples of Italian realism. It was both the best and worst thing that happened to Mascagni for its success - never to be repeated - weighed upon the composer all hislife. Based on Vergaâ??s play of the same name the libretto by Targioni-Tozzetti runs as follows: Lola and Turiddu had been lovers but when Turiddu went away to battle Lola married Alfio. When Turiddu returned he and Lolacontinued their affair secretly while he tried to make Lola jealous by starting a casual affair with Santuzza who fell genuinely in love with him. On Easter Sunday Santuzza realising the affair goes to see Turiddu'smother Lucia who keeps a tavern in the village. She is horrified to learn of her sonâ??s infidelity and leaves for the church just missing Turiddu who saunters in thinking of his night with Lola. He is surprised and annoyed tofind Santuzza there and the two begin to quarrel. Lola makes things worse by appearing and taunting Santuzza. Turiddu finally hits Santuzza and escapes.Santuzza tells Alfio of the illicit affair whereupon Alfio flies intoa rage and swears that he will avenge himself the code of honour requires Turiddu's blood to be shed. According to tradition he refuses a glass of wine from Turiddu indicating the dispute and the two make plans to fight.Rushing into the tavern Turiddu bids his mother her to take care of Santuzza. Mamma Lucia is alarmed and as he rushes off Santuzza enters and throws her arms around Lucia's neck just as a woman screams that Turiddu has beenkilled.This is the Schirmer edition of the Libretto in the original Italian with an English translation by Joseph Machlis.

A Fairytale Opera In Two Acts-The Thirteenth Child - A Fairytale Opera In Two Acts by Poul Ruders (2014-15). Libretto by Becky Starobin and David Starobin. Scenario by Becky Starobin. Suggested by 'The Twelve Brothers' by the Brothers Grimm. SYNOPSIS Act 1 Scene 1 The neighboring Kingdoms of Frohagord and Hauven are in crisis. Following a warning by his embittered cousin Drokan Regent of Hauven King Hjarne of Frohagord is convinced that his twelve sons are plotting to overthrow him. The twelve princes oblivious to their father's paranoia play in the courtyard. The enraged King threatensthe safety of his sons telling his pregnant wife Queen Gertrude that she must provide him with a female heir  as 'only she shall wear the crown'.  Gertrude calms Hjarne and they sing of the Lilies of Frohagord magical flowers that protect the kingdom.  When Benjamin the youngest prince innocently plucks a lily from the garden Hjarne flies into a mad rage and strikes Gertrude.  Drokan observing the encounter  admits his love for Gertrude and feels 'the trembling of the earth'. Act 1 Scene 2 Eighteen years have passed and King Hjarne has just died. At Hjarne's funeral Frederic Drokan and the mourners tell of the mysterious disappearance of the King's thirteen children and the shadows that haunt the kingdom. Queen Gertrude now mortally ill and her daughter Princess Lyra enter the Royal Chapel. Gertrude is repelled by the sight of Drokan  while Frederic is drawn to Lyra. Drokan plots to usurp the Kingdom of Frohagord and Frederic dreams of the day when Lyra will be his. Act 1 Scene 3 Queen Gertrude is on her deathbed attended by Princess Lyra.  Lyra asks her mother why she was sent away.  Gertrude has Lyra open a secret drawer where Lyra finds twelve shirts