Sicily: A Meditation (Columbus Day)

"Intermezzo" (Interlude) from the operatic masterpiece "Cavalleria Rusticana" (1890) by Pietro Mascagni(1863-1945). The celebrated one-act opera(traditionally performed on a double bill with "I Pagliacci") is set in a 19th century Sicilian village on Easter morning. The "Intermezzo" is played just as the events of the drama are about to be played out to their tragic conclusion.