When "Cavalleria Rusticana" was produced, no Italian opera had achieved such a triumph since "Aïda"—a period of nearly twenty years. It was hoped that Mascagni would prove to be Verdi's successor, a hope which, needless to say, has not been fulfilled.
To "Cavalleria Rusticana," however, we owe the succession of short operas, usually founded on debased and sordid material, in which other composers have paid Mascagni the doubtful compliment of imitation in hopes of achieving similar success. Of all these, "Pagliacci," by Leoncavallo, is the only one that has shared the vogue of the Mascagni opera. The two make a remarkably effective double bill.
L’AMICO FRITZ
FRIEND FRITZ
Opera in three acts, by Pietro Mascagni; text by Suaratoni, from the story by Erckmann-Chatrian. Produced, Rome, 1891. Philadelphia, by Gustav Hinrichs, June 8, 1892. New York, Metropolitan Opera House, with Calvé as Suzel, January 10, 1894.
Characters
| Fritz Kobus, a rich bachelor | Tenor | |||
| David, a Rabbi | Baritone | |||
| Frederico | } | friends of Fritz | { | Tenor |
| Hanego | } | { | Tenor | |
| Suzel, a farmer's daughter | Soprano | |||
| Beppe, a gypsy | Soprano | |||
| Caterina, a housekeeper | Contralto | |||
Time—The present.
Place—Alsace.
Act I. Fritz Kobus, a well-to-do landowner and confirmed bachelor, receives felicitations on his fortieth birthday. He invites his friends to dine with him. Among the guests is Suzel, his tenant's daughter, who presents him with a nosegay, and sits beside him. Never before has he realized her charm. Rabbi David, a confirmed matchmaker, wagers with the protesting Fritz that he will soon be married.