Pietro Mascagni

The composer of the opera Cavalleria Rusticana, Pietro Mascagni, has needed no other music to preserve his name for ever. He was Italian by birth (7 December 1863), and received a conventional training as a composer and conductor. He wrote other operas and choral works but to no avail. It is strange how for some one work casts such a shadow that it obliterates everything else. Mascagni died in Rome on 2 August 1945.

A selection of articles about Pietro Mascagni

Spotlight. Dramatic and Passionate - Gerald Fenech ardently recommends extracts from operas in the Italian verismo tradition. 'Hindoyan gets superb playing from his Liverpudlians, and the white-hot streak of the music is delivered with unabashed virtuosity.'

Ensemble. A Bloody Story of Jealousy - Giuseppe Pennisi witnesses great success for Franco Zeffirelli's return to Rome

CD Spotlight. An Exquisite Compilation - A selection of popular orchestral music, recommended by Gerald Fenech. 'Spiritedly performed and superbly recorded ...'

CD Spotlight. Mascagni in a New Garb - Gerald Fenech recommends a new recording of Pietro Mascagni's 'Iris'. 'Krieger's exhilarating conducting draws from both his singers and players some truly sublime performances, full of unbridled enthusiasm.'

Ensemble. A Double Bridge - Giuseppe Pennisi attends 'Sarang è Amore' at the Korean Cultural Institute in Rome

Ensemble. Italian Operas in Miskolc - Anett Fodor sends her final report from the 2019 Bartók Plus Opera Festival

Classical music news. Bartók Plus - A short preview of the Bartók Plus Opera Festival in Miskolc, Hungary

Ensemble. An Odd Couple - A Hindemith and Mascagni double bill in Cagliari, heard by Giuseppe Pennisi

Ensemble. Protests in Rome - A mixed reception for 'Cav and Pag' at Teatro dell'Opera, by Giuseppe Pennisi

Ensemble. Autumn Trilogy - Giuseppe Pennisi writes about three operas on the brink of the twentieth century, performed as a cycle in Ravenna

Ensemble. Verismo Hokum - Opera North's 'Cav and Pag' in Nottingham, reviewed by Mike Wheeler

Ensemble. Somewhat Uneven - Cav and Pag in HD from Metropolitan Opera, reviewed by Maria Nockin

Ensemble. A Rich Musical Season - Summer opera in Rome, heard by Giuseppe Pennisi

Ensemble. A Major Treat - Maria Nockin listens to soprano Amber Wagner

Ensemble. An Extraordinary Performance - 'Cavalleria Rusticana' and 'Pagliacci' at Arizona Opera, enjoyed by Maria Nockin

Fiery Drama - 'Cavalleria Rusticana' and 'I Pagliacci' at New Zealand Opera, enjoyed by Howard Smith

DVD Spotlight. Blocks of Snow - 'Cavalleria rusticana' and 'Pagliacci', reviewed by Robert Anderson. '... not always marooned in frozen wastes.'

Ensemble. A Top-notch Formation - Operas by Zemlinsky and Puccini, reviewed by Giuseppe Pennisi

Ensemble. White Hot Intensity - Renée Fleming and the Russian National Orchestra at the Festival of the Arts Boca 2010, reviewed by Lawrence Budmen

CD Spotlight. Dancing Goblins - Music by Bazzini, heard by Howard Smith. '... Hanslip brings it off with suitable aplomb.'

Ensemble. Mesmerizing Propulsion - 'Cav' and 'Pag' in St Louis, reviewed by Susan Hampton

Ensemble. Inhibited by Cleverness - 'Cav and Pag' at English National Opera, reviewed by Robert Hugill

Ensemble. A Trip to Heaven - 'Cavalleria Rusticana' and 'I Pagliacci' at San Diego Opera, enjoyed by Maria Nockin

Ensemble. Important Revelations - A gala concert presented by Arizona Opera, reviewed by Maria Nockin

Ensemble - A friend in need. The Opera Omnibus production of Mascagni's 'L'Amico Fritz', enjoyed by Roderic Dunnett

Moldovan magic - Roderic Dunnett raves about Chisinau National Opera's 'Cavalleria Rusticana' and 'Pagliacci' (continued from yesterday)

Moldovan magic - Roderic Dunnett raves about Chisinau National Opera's 'Cavalleria Rusticana' and 'Pagliacci'