In 1990, opera lovers were treated to one of the most electrifying recordings of the late 20th century—Pietro Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana. This landmark production, recorded for Philips Classics, featured a powerhouse trio of operatic legends: Jessye Norman, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, and Giuseppe Giacomini. Under the masterful baton of conductor Semyon Bychkov, their soaring voices and dramatic intensity brought new life to Mascagni’s timeless masterpiece.

A Star-Studded Recording: Jessye Norman, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, and Giuseppe Giacomini in Cavalleria Rusticana (June 1990)

The year 1990 witnessed one of the most electrifying opera recordings of the late 20th century—Pietro Mascagni’s Cavalleria Rusticana—featuring a dream cast of operatic giants: Jessye Norman, Dmitri Hvorostovsky, and Giuseppe Giacomini. This production, recorded for Philips Classics, brought together some of the most powerful voices in opera, led by the esteemed conductor Semyon Bychkov.

A Legendary Cast

Jessye Norman (Santuzza) – The American soprano, renowned for her majestic vocal presence and dramatic intensity, brought a deeply emotional interpretation to the tragic heroine Santuzza. Her rich, velvety voice and unparalleled phrasing added layers of nuance to this tormented character.

Giuseppe Giacomini (Turiddu) – Known for his heroic tenor voice, Giacomini was a natural fit for the role of the passionate and reckless Turiddu. His ability to effortlessly transition from soaring lyrical lines to impassioned outbursts made him a compelling lead.

Dmitri Hvorostovsky (Alfio) – The Siberian baritone, famous for his silvery, expressive voice and commanding stage presence, embodied the jealous and vengeful Alfio. Hvorostovsky’s steely baritone and dramatic conviction added a thrilling dimension to the love-triangle drama.

Rosa Laghezza (Lola) & Marta Senn (Mamma Lucia) – Supporting roles were in the hands of seasoned artists who provided strong character portrayals.

A Passionate and Intense Interpretation

Cavalleria Rusticana is a tale of love, betrayal, and revenge, set in a sun-drenched Sicilian village where emotions run high and tragedy is inevitable. This Philips recording captured the opera’s raw intensity, with lush orchestration under the masterful baton of Semyon Bychkov. His approach was both lyrical and dramatic, allowing the singers to shine while maintaining orchestral richness and precision.

Highlights included:
🎶 “Voi lo sapete, o mamma” – Jessye Norman’s achingly expressive Santuzza was heart-wrenching in this aria, her voice filled with longing and despair.
🎶 “Addio alla madre” – Giacomini’s Turiddu delivered a farewell of sheer vocal power and emotion, leaving a haunting impression.
🎶 The climactic final confrontation – The chemistry between Norman, Hvorostovsky, and Giacomini was palpable, making the opera’s final moments unbearably tragic yet thrillingly intense.

A Recording for the Ages

Though this recording was initially made to promote the Philips Classics release, it remains a gem in operatic history, bringing together three of the greatest voices of their generation. Their performances elevated Cavalleria Rusticana to new heights, ensuring that this version remains a reference for opera lovers worldwide.