Cavalleria Rusticana

by Pietro Mascagni

Conducted by the Composer

Lina Bruna Rasa, Antonio Melandri
Afro Poli

Dutch Royal Theatre
The Hague, Holland
7 November 1938

This is the performance through which one can hear why Lina Bruna Rasa was the composer’s favorite Santuzza — fiery, overwhelmingly dramatic, her singing won’t soon be forgotten. Equally impressive is the conducting of the composer — vital, propulsive, rich with atmosphere — so different than his leadership in the disappointing HMV commercial recording, so well known to opera lovers. The tenor gives a memorable rendition of Turridu’s farewell — one of the most effective on record — all heard in sonics immensely rich for the source and year. Although the recording is afflicted with certain defects, the excitement, the élan of this performance will grip you from start to finish. Don’t miss it!