program notes by composition > I > Intermezzo Sinfonico
”Intermezzo Sinfonico” from Cavalleria Rusticana
Pietro Mascagni/arr. Tomohiro Tatebe
The tragic love story in this 19th century opera is based upon a novel, other plays and a true account from Sicily. The intermezzo movement is an instrumental interlude between two scenes evoking the spirit of the Easter Day setting. It has been featured most memorably in film ( Raging Bull, The Godfather III ) and the HBO series The Sopranos .
Pietro Mascagni (1863–1945) was an Italian composer. He wrote fifteen operas, an operetta, several orchestral and vocal works, as well as songs and piano music. He enjoyed immense success during his lifetime, both as a composer and conductor of his own and other people's music.
Last updated on March 17, 2015 by Palatine Concert Band