[mascagni-interest] Rapsodia Satanica in Rome

[Erik Bruchez]

Dear list,

The Rome Opera is showing, starting today, a double bill of Rapsodia
Satanica and Cavalleria Rusticana.

As you may know, Rapsodia Satanica is a 1915 silent movie for which
Mascagni wrote music. In fact, Mascagni's music supports the movie
from beginning to end without interruption, and it is Mascagni's
longest purely orchestral piece (about 45 minutes), and it is quite
beautiful!

There is unfortunately no satisfying version on CD, but a couple of
excellent versions are available through unofficial channels.

The movie was available in black and white only until the 1990s, when
a colorized version was found and, if one believes what people say,
beautifully restored. The restored, colorized version is of course the
one that will be presented in Rome.

There is an article in Italian on the subject here:

  http://www.operaclick.com/comunicati/20050315rm01.php

I will, by the way, attend this Sunday's performance. If any
Mascagnano is around, I would be happy to meet!

-Erik

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