Composer: Pietro Mascagni
Works: Cavalleria Rusticana Prelude, Intermezzo from L’Amico Fritz, Intermezzo from Isabeau, Barcarola from Silvano, Sinfonia from Le Maschere, Inno a Rosaura (choir), Furlana (choir), Dansa esotica, Sogno from Guglielmo Ratcliff, Prelude from Iris
Performers: Choir and Orchestra of the Teatro Lirico Giuseppe Verdi, Tiziano Severini (conductor)
Recording: Live from Teatro Lirico Giuseppe Verdi, Trieste, Italy
Label: Dynamic CDS 379
Pietro Mascagni, best known for his groundbreaking opera Cavalleria Rusticana, occupies a unique position in the pantheon of late Romantic composers. His oeuvre, while predominantly operatic, also includes a range of symphonic and choral works that merit attention, as evidenced by this live recording commemorating the 50th anniversary of his death. The selection spans both familiar and lesser-known pieces, providing a rich tableau of Mascagni’s stylistic evolution and his forays into non-operatic realms. While the title suggests a focus on symphonic works, the concert leans heavily on the operatic excerpts that have become staples in the concert repertoire.
Tiziano Severini’s conducting reveals a keen sensitivity to the lyrical qualities inherent in Mascagni’s music, particularly in the Intermezzo from L’Amico Fritz and the Barcarola from Silvano. The orchestra, while initially vibrant and cohesive, occasionally struggles with precision as the concert progresses, revealing an under-rehearsed ensemble in the lesser-known pieces. This is particularly evident in the intricate textures of the Sinfonia from Le Maschere, where moments of orchestral disunity detract from the overall impact of the performance. Nonetheless, Severini’s ability to coax warmth from the strings and clarity from the woodwinds is commendable, especially in the more delicate passages.
The recording quality, typical of live performances, captures a palpable excitement within the hall, though it is not without its challenges. Audience reactions, particularly coughs toward the latter part of the concert, disrupt the immersive experience, suggesting a need for greater attentiveness. The engineering does well to balance the choir and orchestra, although the choral writing in pieces like the Inno a Rosaura lacks the complexity one might hope for, leading to a somewhat flat textual interpretation. Conversely, the Prelude from Iris, while initially sluggish, eventually builds to a dramatic crescendo, showcasing the choir’s potential even if the overall scoring feels uninspired.
Historically, Mascagni’s non-operatic works have struggled to find their place within the broader canon, often overshadowed by the monumental success of Cavalleria Rusticana. The inclusion of pieces such as the Danza esotica and excerpts from Guglielmo Ratcliff provides a refreshing context, inviting listeners to appreciate the composer’s broader artistic ambitions. However, the concert’s pacing and selection could have benefited from a more thoughtful curation, particularly in concluding with a piece that encapsulates Mascagni’s distinctive voice rather than the less engaging Prelude from Iris.
This recording offers a compelling glimpse into the multifaceted nature of Mascagni’s artistry, yet it is also an exercise in recognizing the limitations of live performance. The interpretative choices made by Severini and his ensemble highlight the beauty and potential of Mascagni’s music, even if they fall short of the precision and vibrancy that more polished studio recordings can achieve. For serious collectors and enthusiasts of Italian opera, this disc presents a valuable opportunity to explore the less-traveled avenues of Mascagni’s catalogue, illustrating both the composer’s genius and the enduring challenges of his legacy within the concert hall.
