Verismo Operas Ignite the Stage in Riga with Double Bill
Latvia’s National Opera presented a powerful evening of Italian verismo on February 17, featuring a new production of Pietro Mascagni’s Cavalleria rusticana alongside a revival of Ruggero Leoncavallo’s Pagliacci.
The ambitious undertaking was brought to life under the musical direction of Mārtiņš Ozoliņš, and staged with a vision by director Aiks Karapetjans. Their collaboration delivered a passionate and emotionally charged performance exploring themes of betrayal, jealousy, and desire. Cavalleria rusticana marked a fresh interpretation of the classic tale, while Pagliacci returned as a successful revival from Karapetjans’ previous work, poised to captivate audiences once more. Both operas, originating in the late 19th century, exemplify the “verismo” style, known for its raw and unvarnished portrayal of human emotion. These stories of intense passion, jealousy, and infidelity continue to resonate with audiences today.
Creative Team Behind the Scenes
This impressive operatic evening wouldn’t have been possible without a talented team working behind the scenes. AJ Vaisbards oversaw the scenic design and lighting, creating a visually striking world with dynamic light play and spatial arrangements.
Kristīne Pasternaka, the Latvian National Opera’s principal costume designer, crafted costumes that not only enhanced the visual spectacle but also deepened the characterizations and reflected the period. Her designs have been recognized with multiple awards, including the Grand Music Award.
Choreographer Liene Grava, a recipient of the “Year’s Choreographer” award at the Spēlmaņu nakts (Night of the Playwrights), created movement sequences that amplified the dramatic tension and emotional depth of the operas.
Videomaker Artis Dzērve, who earned the “Year’s Videomaker” award at the Spēlmaņu nakts, contributed visual elements that enriched the storytelling and offered new perspectives on the operatic experience. Dzērve emphasizes that “a good videomaker doesn’t endeavor to push the gas pedal and come to the forefront; he tries to always be in the common feeling.”
About the Operas: Cavalleria rusticana and Pagliacci
Cavalleria rusticana, composed by Pietro Mascagni in record time, premiered in Rome in 1890 and quickly became one of the most popular “verismo” operas. It tells a story of jealousy and betrayal set in a Sicilian village. Pagliacci, created by Ruggero Leoncavallo in 1892, explores passion and deceit within a traveling troupe of comedians, culminating in a tragic event onstage. The operas are frequently performed together due to their shared themes and emotional intensity.
Both operas are prime examples of the “verismo” style, which translates to “truth” or “realism” in operatic music. They are characterized by powerful, often tragic emotions that reflect the drama of everyday life.
Key Roles
In the initial performances of Cavalleria rusticana, the leading roles were performed by Tatjana Trenogina (Santuzza), Irma Pavāre (Santuzza), Raimonds Bramanis (Turiddu), Artjoms Safronovs (Turiddu), Jānis Apeinis (Alfio), and Daniils Pogoriless (Alfio).
Pagliacci featured Aleksandrs Antoņenko (Canio), Andris Ludvigs (Canio), Artjoms Safronovs (Tonio), Inna Kločko (Nedda), Dana Bramane (Nedda), Jānis Apeinis (Silvio), and Rinalds Kandalincevs (Silvio) in the principal roles.
Operatic History at the Latvian National Opera
Cavalleria rusticana first resonated within the Latvian National Opera in 1904, performed under the musical direction of composer Pietro Mascagni himself during a visit to Riga’s City Theatre. Pagliacci was previously staged under the direction of Aiks Karapetjans in 2019. Historically, these two operas have often been presented together, a common “Cav/Pag” pairing in the world of opera.
