Why Did the Nazis Ban Mascagni’s Opera l’Amico Fritz?

A brand new recording from the Dynamic label let’s you take heed to this mild pastoral opera by Pietro Mascagni and determine why the Nazis discovered it so objectionable

What was Pietro Mascagni to do after the sensational success of his verismo opera Cavalleria Rusticana in 1890?

Mascagni made the thought-about resolution to write down l’Amico Fritz (“Buddy Fritz”) an opera that was far totally different in temper from his blood-and-guts Cavalleria. As an alternative, he selected to write down an opera primarily based on the French novel L’ami Fritz, written in 1864 by Emile Erckmann and Alexandre Chatrian. L’amico Fritz presents a delicate, semi-comic story of village life. It was a right away success when it was premiered in Rome in 1891, though it didn’t generate the furor that Cavalleria did.

Within the a long time that adopted, Fritz was usually carried out in Italy. Nevertheless it was banned within the early Thirties by the Nazis and the Italian Fascists.

Why? What made Fritz so objectionable to fascists?

There’s a easy reply. One of many important characters is a Rabbi named David. He’s the perfect pal of Fritz, the title character. One other character is a Roma boy named Beppe (a trouser position sung by a mezzo) who doesn’t do something too objectionable. The sympathetic presentation of those two characters was an excessive amount of for the Fascists to endure, in order that they banned the opera. After the second World Battle ended, performances of Fritz resumed. Nevertheless it by no means turned an ideal favourite.

Now a New Recording of Fritz Lets You Hear and Determine

Fact be informed, Fritz is just not a revolutionary opera. It falls extra throughout the “tuneful” class. Of all of the tunes, probably the most perennially beloved has been a duet for soprano and tenor, generally referred to as the “Cherry Duet” that has been recorded many instances over time by opera stars.

However now there’s an glorious recording of Fritz you may discover on Classical Archives if you’re a member. It’s a reside efficiency from the stage of the Maggio Musicale with a robust solid that features tenor Charles Castronovo and soprano Salome Jicia. The conductor is Riccardo Frizza. It makes for a really nice few hours of listening.

So, what did the fascists discover so objectionable on this lighthearted story? The presence of a rabbi and a gypsy, that’s what. We’re certain the roles they play within the plot gained’t trouble you a bit. Simply take heed to this effervescent, lighthearted opera and revel in.

The fascists missed out on one thing, however you don’t must.