Ratcliff
PIETRO MASCAGNI (1863–1945) Tragedia in four acts Libretto based on Andrea Maffei’s Italian translation of the play Wilhelm Ratcliff by Heinrich Heine First performed at the Teatro alla Scala, Milan on 16 February 1895 Sung in Italian Francesco Cilluffo | Conductor Fabio Ceresa | Director Tiziano Santi | Set Designer Giuseppe Palella | Costume Designer
Heine wrote his play Wilhelm Ratcliff in only three days and Mascagni too was captivated by the young Scottish romantic anti-hero outsider. He began composing his opera Guglielmo Ratcliff (translated into Italian) in 1882 whilst a student in Milan but laid it aside in order to compose Cavalleria rusticana for a competition. He won the competition, triumphing over seventy-two other composers, and made his name. Mascagni supported the ideals of the Scapigliatura movement, which attempted to rejuvenate culture in the newly unified Italy through foreign influences, especially from German romanticism. However, the Gothic plot and stylistic and melodic mannerisms of Guglielmo Ratcliff, reminiscent of Verdi and Ponchielli, were thought old-fashioned, and it was only moderately successful when first performed in 1895. In addition, the role of Guglielmo Ratcliff has the reputation of being one of the most demanding ever written for tenor. Cavalleria rusticana is clearly anticipated in the music, particularly in the atmospheric orchestral writing, full-blooded melodies and dramatic pace. The opera is set in northern Scotland and concerns the tragic consequences of broken relationships in two generations. Maria MacGregor rejected Guglielmo Ratcliff as a husband but he is determined that no-one else shall marry her and challenges other suitors to a duel, killing two of them. As Maria prepares to marry Count Douglas she learns that her mother and Guglielmo’s father had loved each other. However, her mother changed her mind and married MacGregor. The erstwhile lovers later resumed their relationship, but Maria’s father, MacGregor, killed Guglielmo’s father out of jealousy and Maria’s mother died of a broken heart. Guglielmo is haunted by the ghosts of the men he has killed and in his final delirium he kills Maria, her father and himself.
O’Reilly Theatre | National Opera House Tickets ¤25 – ¤145
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OCTOBER SUN WED
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22|25|28| 31 SUPPORTED BY
8 p.m.
5 p.m.
8 p.m.
8 p.m.
Made possible through the generous support of Stephen Vernon
In association with Italian Institute of Culture – Dublin
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