Intermezzo (Mascagni)

Cavalleria Rusticana is a one-act opera from Pietro Mascagni. The Intermezzo represents the contrast between the very serene lifestyle of the people of a small village and the passionate, often turbulent romance between the main characters of the opera. The beauty of this piece lies in the constant “longing” for resolution, which doesn’t come until the end.

Genre: Band | # of Players:
Level: 2 | Duration: 2:10

Instrumentation
Piccolo
Flute 1
Flute 2
Oboe
Bassoon
Bb Clarinet 1
Bb Clarinet 2
Bb Clarinet 3
Bb Bass Clarinet
Eb Alto Saxophone 1
Eb Alto Saxophone 2
Bb Tenor Saxophone
Eb Baritone Saxophone

Bb Trumpet 1
Bb Trumpet 2
Bb Trumpet 3
F Horn 1
F Horn 3
F Horn 2
F Horn 4
Trombone 1
Trombone 2
Trombone 3
Euphonium
T.C. Baritone
Tuba

Harp or Piano (opt.)

Program Notes
Cavalleria Rusticana is a one-act opera from Pietro Mascagni. The Intermezzo represents the contrast between the very serene lifestyle of the people of a small village and the passionate, often turbulent romance between the main characters of the opera

The harp part is a direct transcription from the original transposed into the key of the original. If a harp is not available, piano is highly recommended. Much care should be taken at the beginning to keep a slow tempo. The beauty of this piece lies in the constant “longing” for resolution, which doesn’t come until the end.