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Cavalleria RusticanaSynopsisThe action takes place on Easter Day. Turiddu has recently returned from the war. Before he went away, Lola & he were engaged , but she married Alfio, a teamster, in Turiddu's absence. Finding Lola married, Turiddu became romantically involved with Santuzza. Turiddu also found his way back to romantic involvement with Lola, as her husband Alfio, a trucker, was often away from home. The opera opens with Alfio seeing Turiddu near Alfio's house in the early morning hours. The townspeople enter singing of spring and love. After they leave, Santuzza enters, and having discovered that Turiddu is again involved with the now married Lola, tries to discuss the situation with Turiddu's mother, Lucia. Mamma Lucia becomes anxious about what sort of trouble Turiddu might be in. Alfio arrives in town, singing of his life on the road, and is warmly greeted by his neighbors. As it is Easter, the the townspeople process to the church singing a hymn. Outside the church, Santuzza reveals to Mamma Lucia that Turiddu, after having promised to marry her, is having an affair with Lola. Mamma Lucia is shocked, but enters the church to go to Mass. Turiddu appears and Santuzza questions him as to where he has been. He lies, but Santuzza reveals that she knows he was with Lola, and they begin to argue. Lola enters singing a song. An uncomfortable conversation ensues, with Lola being rude to Santuzza. Lola enters the church, and Santuzza and Turiddu continue to argue with Santuzza begging him not to leave her. Turiddu tells Santuzza to go, and she curses him as he enters the church. Alfio returns, and Santuzza tells him of Lola and Turiddu's affair. Alfio vows revenge, while Santuzza suddenly feels she's wrong to have told him. They leave, and the orchestra plays the beautiful Intermezzo. The townspeople come out of church and head to Mamma Lucia's tavern. Turiddu asks Lola not to leave, and begins a drinking song with everyone. Alfio enters, Turiddu offers him drink, which Alfio refuses. The townspeople and Lola leave, and Alfio accepts a challenge to fight to the death issued by Turiddu. Alfio exits, and Turiddu says goodbye to his mother. Mamma Lucia, frightened by what he says, calls after Turiddu and falls into Santuzza's arms.
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