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Opera Holland Park presents
L'AMICO FRITZ
Pietro Mascagni
Libretto by Nicola Diaspuro, based on the novel L'ami Fritz by Emile Erckmann and Alexandre Chatrian
First Performed Teatro Costanzi, Rome, 31 October 1891
Libretto by Nicola Diaspuro, based on the novel L'ami Fritz by Emile Erckmann and Alexandre Chatrian
First Performed Teatro Costanzi, Rome, 31 October 1891
Sung in Italian with English Surtitles
27, 28, 29, 30 June and 1 July 7.30pm
Tickets £26. Concessions (Thursday and Friday only) £20.50
For many years, Mascagni has been known as "the man who wrote
Cavalleria rusticana". Yet no longer can this be said of him as far
as Holland Park audiences are concerned, where Mascagni's Iris was a
huge success two years running. L'amico Fritz, a radiant work, famous
for its Cherry duet and thrilling intermezzo, deals with lighter
subjects than his Oriental tragedy but nevertheless manages to tug at
the heartstrings.
When the orchestra fell silent on its premiere in Rome, no less than
seven of the arias within the opera had to be repeated and Mascagni
and his cast received thirty seven curtain calls from an ecstatic
Italian audience - the opera became an instant hit.
The story follows the life of wealthy Fritz who is so sure of his
unwillingness to marry that he takes a bet with his friend that never
will the band of gold touch his finger. He did not reckon, however, on
the existence of Suzel!
As fresh as an Alsace breeze and as melodically luscious as anything
Mascagni ever wrote, L'amico is a delectable, poignant and exquisite
opera which should not be missed.
With the Royal Philharmonic Opera Orchestra and the Opera Holland Park Chorus
Conducted by John Gibbons
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