Amica

A great success at its premiere in Monte Carlo in 1905, Amica, a dramatic poem in two acts, signaled Pietro Mascagni's return to the verismo style embodied in his signature work, Cavalleria Rusticana. It's the story of two brothers, Giorgio and Rinaldo, whose rivalry over their love for the same woman, Amica, plays out against the rural setting of the Savoy mountains, which provide the necessary terrain for a tragic finale. Filmed in 2007 at the Palazzo Ducale in Martina Franca, Italy, as part of the Festival of the Valle d'Itria, this is the first modern performance of the original French version. Beginning with a sublime opening featuring the Orchestra Internazionale d'Italia conducted by Manlio Benzi, the production offers a rich, colorful score and is performed on a spare but evocative set, with Anna Malavasi as Amica, David Sotgiu as Giorgio, Pierluigi Dilengite as Rinaldo, and the substantial presence of the Slovak Chamber Choir. Sporting a gritty style and realistic staging (along with Dolby Digital 5.0 and stereo options), this operatic rarity is recommended. Aud: C, P. (J. Reed)