Cavalleria rusticana

Complete opera, conducted by the composer

Introductory remarks by Pietro Mascagni:

"Dear Ladies and Gentlemen of the audience: I am Pietro Mascagni, and I am pleased to announce that my "Cavalleria rusticana" has reached the age of fifty. It is associated in my memory with so many demonstrations of public sympathy that I could not refuse the invitation of the estimable firm of "La Voce del Padrone" and agreed to record the opera, complete and for the first time under my personal direction. My creation, which will achieve life through these most celebrated artists and through an orchestra and chorus that have no peer in all the world, will thus be submitted as my self-portrait, truer and more meaningful than any picture with my signature. And I, who have scribbled out many an autograph, have never done so with so much pleasure, for this is the most enduring thing that I can offer, as well as the most personal way of presenting myself -- in the double role of composer and conductor of my own music. I greet you with my heart, before taking up once more my baton."

• Turiddu - Beniamino Gigli 
• Santuzza - Lina Bruna Rasa 
• Lucia - Giulietta Simionato 
• Alfio - Gino Bechi 
• Lola - Maria Marcucci 
• Members of the Orchestra & Chorus of Teatro alla Scala, Milan / Pietro Mascagni