United States or Bahrain ? Vote for the TOP Country of the Week !
'L'Amico Fritz' and 'I Rantzau, two adaptations of novels by Erckmann-Chatrian, produced respectively in 1891 and 1892, have almost disappeared from the current repertory.
His sudden popularity, however, had a pernicious effect, as it induced him to rush out more operas without giving sufficient time to their preparation. "L'Amico Fritz," based upon the well-known Erckmann-Chatrian story, and "I Rantzau" quickly followed "Cavalleria Rusticana," but did not meet with its success.
The 'Cherry Duet' in 'L'Amico Fritz, and the Cicaleccio chorus in 'I Rantzau, are models of refinement and finish, which are doubly delightful by reason of their incongruous environment.
Unfortunately such gems as these only make the coarseness of their setting the more conspicuous, and on the whole the sooner the world forgets about 'L'Amico Fritz' and 'I Rantzau' the better it will be for Mascagni's reputation. 'Guglielmo Ratcliff' and 'Silvano, both produced in 1895, have not been heard out of Italy, nor is there much probability that they will ever cross the Alps.
Word Of The Day