“Intermezzo Sinfonico” from Cavalleria Rusticana for Piano Trio
“Cavalleria Rusticana” is a tragic story that unfolds in a village in Sicily on Easter Sunday. Alfio becomes furious when he learns that his wife, Lola, has rekindled her relationship with her former lover, Turiddu. The piece that is played afterward is this intermezzo. In the end, Turiddu dies in a duel with Alfio.
This intermezzo is very beautiful and poignant. Later, lyrics were added to this melody, and it became known as Mascagni’s “Ave Maria.”
While originally written for orchestra, this piece has been arranged for piano trio so it can be enjoyed in chamber music settings.