The Providence news. (Providence [R.I.]) 1891-1906, 1902-06-21

leria Rusticana" is the presence OF Miss
Marii Strakosch as q member Of the op-
era pmpany at the Providence this sum
mer II was Miss Strakosch who made 81
emphatic a hit In the role OF SantuzZ1 n
yea ago when she came here to sing with
the American Opera company, and she
nay be relied on 10 even excel the grea
delneation she then gave. As the COM
p.ny this year is in every way better
tian that OF last season. IL is likely tnat
tie performances OF this fascinating
work will be infinitely more artistic and
Gratifying.
The story OF "Cavalleria Rusticana" is
prief and simple. Turiddu, who Is the
over of Lola is compelled 10 serve his
lime in the army OF his country. Lola he
leaves I'm the full assurance that she will
stay true TO her affection for him.
In his absence. however Lola's st:och-
ment melts away before the addresses CT
one Alfo, a teamster. and she marries
him. Turlddu returns and finds her the
wife OF another. The discovery upsvts
him. but he makes love 20 SantuZZa- ana
dishonors her. Lola meets Turiddu ana
the old feeling OF mutual admiration
springs up stronger than ever. As re-
suit many secret meetings occur between
Turlddu and Lola. Santuz2a, smarting un-
der the shame that her relations with Tu-
riddu have brought upon her, exposes tho
liaison Of Turiddu and Lola 70 Alfo. who
RACES over his wife's perfidy and demands
that Turiddu meet him on the field of
honor. Turiddu is surprised and discom-
forted, but he accepts the challenge and
s killed.
Lucia di IAmmermoor." is one OF the
most celebrated OF the grand operas. 1t
was composed by DoniZetti, who took his
inspiration from SIR Walter Scott's story
of THE Bride OF Lammermoor. Done
zetu wrote a large number of works, but
few Of which. however. were brought into
English form Among his best known
creations are Anna Beleyn." "Lucrezia
Rercia." and La File du Regiment"
| None OF these, however, equals Lucia di
|Iammermoor" In greatness OF conception
and melodic interest
The principal roles OF Lucia have
i |been interpreted by the most noted sing
ers within the last 20 years The opera is
distinguished by the beauty and brillian-
cy OF It's music. IL contains vocal sex
tette that is famous the world over for Its
sweetness and daintiness. and It's other
numbers are representative of the best
IDEAS Of one OF the cleverest and most
prolific OF opera writers.
This is the story In outline: Henry
Ashton and HIS handsome sister Lucy
live I'm a Scottish castle. Lucy is sought
by one Edgar Ravenswood. an inveterate
enemy OF her brother. so strong Is Hen
rvs enmity toward Ravenswood In con-
sequence Of past feuds. that the latter
dares approach the Ashton home only by
stealth and in disguise. Norman, chief
OF Henry's household. suspects that RAJ
venswood IS hiding In the vicinity, for he
believes that Lucy meets him secretly.
He brcathes this suspicion to Ashton,
who wakes furious. The latter In fur
ther incensed by a report from his re-
tainers that they have startled n man
from cover In some ruins not far away.
1t seems that Ravenswood once saved
Lucy from death: hence her love for him.
Her brother has other matrimonial plans
for her, but che dlstalns his scheme Ed
gar later meets Lucy ard proposes that
he interview her brother and solicit her
hand I'm marriage. She dissuades him
Henry is determined that Lucy SHAH
marry Arthur Bucklsw, and 20 compass
his purpose. he has a letter forged, by
which it appears that Ravcnswood
abroad has wed another woman. BY this
means and other pubtorfuges Lucy is
finally induced TO submit 10 union With
Bucklaw
The rites are celebrated amid tears on
her part. Edgar appears suddenly ana
claims her, but seeing her position as