Guglielmo Ratcliff

"Guglielmo Ratcliff" is a tragic opera in four acts by Pietro Mascagni to an Italian libretto by Andrea Maffei, translated from the German play "William Ratcliff" (1822) by Heinrich Heine.

It premiered on February 16, 1895, at the Teatro alla Scala, Milan, and has been revived a number of times since, most recently in a concert performance in November 25, 2003, at Alice Tully Hall, New York, conducted by Alfredo Silipigni. However, it has not entered the standard operatic repertoire, in part because the title role is one of the most taxing tenor parts ever written.

It is especially known for its Intermezzo.

Roles

ynopsis

The plot uses the same storyline as a previous opera by César Cui. MacGregor unites Maria and Douglas who tells MacGregor of how the bandits surround him and how an unauthorized horseman chases them away. Maria seems to get unconscious, but by then she recovers. There are news that Maria's first two suitors were killed by Guglielmo Ratcliff. Hearing this, Douglas calls for revenge on Guglielmo Ratcliff. After Willie recites (carelessly) the "Pater Noster", Guglielmo insists to Tom that he will massacre Douglas and leaves for the Black Rock. Guglielmo loses a fight, but Douglas spares him. Later in the finale, Guglielmo slaughters Maria, MacGregor and finally himself. This saddens Douglas and Margherita.

References

* [http://www.amadeusonline.net/almanacco.php?Start=0&Giorno=16&Mese=02&Anno=1895&Giornata=&Testo=&Parola=Stringa Amadeus Almanac, accessed 12 August 2008]